Says LCC's Ads Are "Demeaning"

Flight attendants for Spirit Airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), are continuing their demands for an immediate end to the "demeaning and demoralizing advertising campaigns that management continues to run."

That doesn't seem to be the usual "employee vs. management" rhetoric common when discussing the relationship between airline unions and executives, either. As ANN reported, flight attendants took the low-cost carrier to task last month for a series of ads run by airline management, including a "MILF" campaign -- 'Many Islands, Low Fares' (what did YOU think it meant?) -- and others proclaiming "We're having a threesome" and "We're proud of our DDs."

"For Spirit flight attendants, the sexist and shameful advertising that management continues to associate our carrier with is embarrassing and diminishes our role as safety professionals," said Deborah Crowley, AFA-CWA Spirit President. "As the face of the airline to many passengers, it is embarrassing for Spirit flight attendants to work for a management team with such little regard for so many outstanding employees."

AFA-CWA says it has fought for over 60 years for equality, and has made significant advancements in women's and worker's rights. The union says that due to its efforts to end age, weight, marital status, gender, race or pregnancy discrimination against flight attendants, public perception of the flight attendant profession has evolved from "sky girl" to crucial safety professionals.

"Flight attendants across the world have fought for the respect and dignity we hold dear today. We will not go backwards! We will stand firm in our right for dignity and respect," added Crowley.

Spirit's ads are nothing new... but the proverbial straw that seems to have broken the camel's back appears to be the recent management proposal to require Spirit flight attendants to wear inflight aprons adorned with an alcoholic beverage logo.

Classy, no?

FMI: www.afanet.org, www.spiritair.com