Dear Local 1224 and 747 Crewmembers,

Tonight at 12:00 a.m. the crewmembers of Spirit Airlines will go on strike. This action culminates four long years of bad faith bargaining by their management team. Despite the 30-day cooling-off period and super-mediation imposed by the National Mediation Board, Spirit was unable to treat their pilots with the respect that they deserve. Despite being a profitable company Spirit insists on pay cuts, refusing to acknowledge the skill, dedication and professionalism these pilots brought to the success of Spirit Airlines. More objectionable than the compensation offers, Spirit also proposes upgrades only at the chief pilot’s discretion without regard to seniority, the ability to fire without just cause, and basing longevity on hours flown instead of years served.

There have been rumors and fears that perhaps some 1224 or 747 carriers would attempt to come to the aid of Spirit management. I am relieved to say that David Bourne or I have discussed this with the management of Miami Air, USA 3000, and Gulfstream, and all have told us that they are not considering it. I was especially impressed with the response I received from Miami Air leadership; I was told that he would never make his pilots fly through a strike, that having been through this twice in his career he knows the stress it creates, and the damage it would do, and that there are no winners. He pointed out that the Miami Air contract allows his pilots to honor picket lines thereby eliminating any concern his pilots should have. It’s not often that I refer to airline management as airline leadership but it’s refreshing when it happens.

Most of our carriers have some protective language in their contract, either through clear statements that you will not be disciplined for honoring a picket line as in Miami Air’s case or through unrestricted use of Paid Time Off to avoid the conflict as in USA 3000’s case. It is important that each of you know what your contract says, what it means, and the best strategy to protect yourself while protecting our profession. It is Local 1224’s hope that every one of you individually makes the correct decision if for some strange turn of events you are confronted with a picket line.

Some of you have been through this at previous carriers and know how difficult it can be to navigate the legal minefield of supporting another air carrier’s strike. Despite your contractual rights and individual rights, managements have asserted that you have no right to honor a picket line and must carry struck work. Many companies over the years have threatened termination to those that outright tell management they refuse “to cross a picket line” or ‘fly struck work”. I will not debate the legal arguments here. It is sufficient to understand that the choice of being fired or risk your safety, your property and your good name by crossing a picket line or transporting struck goods creates tremendous stress and anxiety for a crewmember.

If you are confronted with a picket line and these impossible choices and feel that the stress and emotional strain it creates will not allow you to focus on operating the aircraft safely, then as a certificated airman you must declare yourself unfit and not operate the aircraft. This Local and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will defend your individual right to exercise your certificate responsibly.

If you find yourself asked to cross a picket line or to fly struck work contact the union with the Emergency Notification System for guidance. Making the wrong decision can do irreparable harm to your reputation and future employment opportunities. Additionally, as Teamsters if your contract permits you to honor a picket line and you cross it, you will be brought up on charges as specified in the IBT constitution. These are difficult times for the Spirit pilots and our profession. If you have the opportunity, please show your support by manning a picket line at the following locations:

Hotel meeting rooms open 6 p.m. to gather for light food and briefing.

Picketing begins at 10:30 p.m. in each airport location.

LaGuardia: LaGuardia Airport Central Terminal B
In front of Spirit's drop-off, upper level, Central Terminal
Picket Pre-Brief—LGA Marriott
102-05 Ditmars Blvd., East Elmhurst, NY 11369
SPA Coordinators:
Bill Gubitosi (914) 548-1980
Bill Coogan (516) 343-2117

SPSC Member:
Mike Jones (936) 446-7555
Atlantic City: Atlantic City International Airport
Across the road from the terminal
Picket Pre-Brief—Clarion Hotel & Convention Center
6821 Black Horse Pike, West Atlantic City, NJ 08234
SPA Coordinators:
Eric Weiss (203) 494-0408
Rich Kikolski (404) 358-8160

Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Corner of Griffin Road and Federal Hwy, outside airport grounds
Picket Pre-Brief Friday —Hyatt Summerfield Suites
90 SW 18th Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Picket Pre-Brief Saturday —Sheraton Cruise Port Griffin Rd.
SPA Coordinators:
Tony Willis (786) 547-9800
Jeff Melhauser (970) 518-4514
SPSC Member:
Curly Culp (770) 366-2099

Detroit: Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport
North Terminal, upper level
Detroit Metro Airport Marriott
30559 Flynn Drive, Romulus, MI 48174
SPA Coordinators:
Mark Bailey (313) 205-7227
Cory O’Keefe (734) 717-7173
SPSC Member:
Mike Dockman (651) 233-7734


The Spirit pilots are appreciative of your support. I have attached the letters we have received from their union leadership thanking Local 1224 for our willingness to stand behind them.

Fraternally,
Joe Muckle, President
Airline Professionals Association, Teamsters Local 1224

 

And this from the Airline Divisions, "Week In Review"


Spirit Pilots Prepare to Strike as Deadline for Deal Looms

Faced with management proposals that have failed to address the economic and job security concerns, the pilots of Spirit Airlines have announced they will strike tonight (Friday) at midnight if an acceptable agreement is not reached. The carrier, who recently became infamous for wanting to charge passengers extra for carryon bags, has refused to bargain in good faith, according to the pilots.

Sean Creed, Chairman of the Spirit Airlines MEC (ALPA) says pilots want the new contract to bring them closer to parity with pay at carriers such as JetBlue and AirTran, which he says is 20% to 30% higher. Key sticking points are pay and scheduling, including a company proposal to increase the maximum number of hours flown and reducing crewmembers vacation time. On May 7, Creed vowed that “should the cooling-off period end without a fair agreement, make no mistake, this pilot group will strike.”

“We have heard some of the proposals put forth by management to the Spirit pilot group,” said Airline Division Director David Bourne. “To say they are insulting not only to the Spirit pilots and their families, but the piloting profession as a whole is a tremendous understatement. When our Teamster pilots at Amerijet went on strike over terrible conditions, the pilots of Spirit supported them. We are proud to stand with them in their hour of need and offer our full support. I ask each and every Teamster pilot and every Teamster who lives near a Spirit location to join them on the picket line in support, should the strike occur,” he concluded.

Spirit pilots will be picketing at the following locations, beginning at 10:30pm Friday night:

Fort Lauderdale- (FLL) Airport on the corner of Griffin and Federal Highway
LaGuardia Airport- (LGA) Upper Level Central Terminal
Detroit- (DTW) North Terminal, Upper Level
Atlantic City- (ACY) across from the airport entrance

 

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Thank you Brothers and Sisters

 

Thank you!

 

Thank you!

 

Also to add, we had some e-mails come down that you guys are officially still able to list jumpseat for thirty days on the United and Delta flights.

I would be more than happy to have you guys onboard for the next few days. If you're still picketing on Wednesday, I'll see you all in FLL.