Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-132 N505NK (msn 2485) LAS (Michael B. Ing), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Spirit Airlines (For Lauderdale/Hollywood) has cancelled all flights through tomorrow, due to an on-going strike by its pilots.
The privately-held company issued this statement, trying to justify its bargaining position:
“As a result of its pilot union’s decision to strike, Spirit’s flights are cancelled for Saturday, June 12 through Tuesday, June 15, 2010.
Spirit is processing future flight credits for customers for the full amount of their unflown flight purchase, and is also giving them a $100 future flight credit. Customers who prefer a full refund may call 1 (800) 772-7117 for assistance. Customers who made their reservation prior to May 11, 2010 and purchased travel insurance can call Travel Guard at +1 (866) 877-3191 to discuss coverage questions and to start an insurance claim. Policyholders may have valuable coverage for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption due to the pilots strike.
Following is further clarification to Spirit’s fair and equitable offer that was turned down by the union. ALPA turned down a compounded average 29 percent pay increase costing the company an additional $70 million over five years, net of productivity improvements agreed to by the pilots. This 29 percent pay increase when combined with annual step increases totals a 47 percent increase in annual compensation over five years, prior to any overtime pay, signing bonus and 401K matching contribution increases.”
Read the full press release:
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Spirit’s Airbus A319-132 N505NK (msn 2485) taxies to the gate at Las Vegas.