Message from JetBlue Ground Ops:
JetBlue Bids $3.6 Billion for Spirit; Union Representation Never More Critical

Justice at JetBlue
6 April 2022

JetBlue management yesterday announced it offered $3.6 billion to purchase Spirit Airlines. Airline mergers create many uncertainties, especially when workers do not have a contract with legally enforceable language to protect their rights. 

JetBlue management will likely make many promises about what will happen if this merger with Spirit occurs. Many of these promises will center around how the merger of JetBlue and Spirit will create more competition and how workers will benefit. As history tells us, these promises, made by every airline executive after a merger, often turn out to be false.

JetBlue management will likely make many promises regarding what will happen if this merger with Spirit occurs. Many of these promises will center around how the merger of JetBlue and Spirit will create more competition and how workers will benefit. As history tells us, these promises, made by every airline executive

What’s at risk for JetBlue Crewmembers? Short answer, everything. Our jobs, wages, benefits, and working conditions can be changed at any time for any reason now and also throughout the merger/acquisition process. And, during a merger/acquisition, management teams often change, and promises made are routinely broken.

The only real way to make sure our interests are protected is by unionizing and gaining representation through this process. Once we gain IAM representation, we would enter into legally recognized negotiations to protect what we currently have and then negotiate for more.

In every IAM contract, there is strong language to protect the rights of IAM members. Such language mandates that IAM members’ contracts are recognized and respected during a merger. Wages, benefits, job protections, seniority, and working conditions are completely protected. And, when we are unionized, we would then enter into negotiations to combine workgroups and seek further gains and protections. This has occurred in every merger in which the IAM was the union.

Remember that a-cards are only valid for one year, so if you haven’t signed within the last year, renew today. We are making strong progress toward filing for a union election, so don’t delay, sign today!

Related News

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Ken Thiede, a beloved and respected leader in the Machinists Union, passed away peacefully on Thursday due to natural causes. He was 87. Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken ThiedeCelebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede, a Lifelong Union Advocate, Mentor, and...

Association Update

Association Update

 This will serve as the official update to the Association membership for M&R, MLS, MCT, MTS, and Fleet Service.  September 13, 2024  To Association Fleet Sisters and Brothers, The Association Fleet sub committee met with AA leadership on September 12th to discuss...

Association Update

Association Update

 This will serve as the official update to the Association membership for M&R, MLS, MCT, MTS, and Fleet Service.   August 29, 2024  All Association Members:  This will serve as the official update to the Association membership for M&R, MLS, MCT, MTS, and Fleet...

Share This