June 15, 2016

Spirit Pilots March on Company Shareholders Meeting on Strike Anniversary

On Tuesday, June 14, more than 60 Spirit pilots gathered at the annual Spirit shareholders meeting in Houston, Tex., to demand a new contract from management. The pilot group has been in negotiations for over a year and is coming up on the one-year anniversary of their amendable date in August. At 7:00 a.m., the pilots gathered to view the "Whatever It Takes" video, detailing the path from the 2010 strike and a commitment to do "whatever it takes" to achieve a new contract. The pilots also received a briefing from the Negotiating Committee before marching in unison to the shareholders meeting on the top floor of the Houston Airport Marriott. Lining the halls that led into the meeting room, the pilots stood silent holding "Contract Now" and "Discount Fares—Not Discount Pilots" signs as the Board members walked between them. Pilot leadership attended the shareholders meeting, making a strong impression as they sat in uniform while shareholders approved proposals—including executive compensation packages. Pilots from United and ExpressJet also came to support their fellow ALPA pilots.

"This event was especially poignant for our pilots, as just six years ago, Spirit pilots were on the picket line risking everything to get a contract that recognized their contributions," said Capt. Stuart Morrison, MEC chairman. "Now, here we are again—with 1,000 more pilots—demanding a contract that contains industry-standard compensation. Our company has grown exponentially and continues to be one of the most profitable airlines in the country. Yet, the Company appears to believe that Spirit pilots are still available at a discount. We are not low-tier pilots. We are professional pilots and will not accept any contract that does not compensate our services accordingly."

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