Machinists Union Says Defending Workers’ Rights is the Top Priority in JetBlue-Spirit Tie-Up

Organizing
8 July 2022

JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines this morning announced that the two airlines plan to merge to create the nation’s fifth largest carrier. Spirit Airlines shareholders yesterday rejected Frontier Airlines’ bid to merge and cleared the way for JetBlue’s $3.8 billion all-cash offer to combine the two carriers.

“As we know from the history of airline mergers and acquisitions, top executives will promise the world to gain regulatory approval. But, when the dust is settled and approval is granted, airline workers almost always get the short end of the stick,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “The Machinists Union is the most powerful and experienced union when it comes to defending airline workers’ rights during mergers. We have done it before and we will do it again. IAM members at Spirit Airlines and future IAM members at JetBlue Airways will have their interests defended, just as every IAM member has during previous mergers.”

It’s expected that the proposed merger will face stiff regulatory approval from the Biden Administration. JetBlue already faces opposition from the Justice Department, which has sued to break up its commercial agreement with American Airlines Group Inc. The regulators allege that the partnership — which targets the New York and Boston markets — is anti-competitive.

“I want all IAM members at Spirit Airlines to know the Machinists Union will ensure your contract is enforced during this process and that your rights will be defended,” continued Johnsen. “I also want all the JetBlue Ground Operations Crewmembers to know that your campaign to gain IAM representation takes on even more importance now. It is urgent that you have a seat at the table, so you’re not on the menu.”

Related News

Hurricane Beryl Assistance and Resources

Hurricane Beryl Assistance and Resources

Disaster Assistance Resources AvailableJuly 15, 2024 Dear Sisters and Brothers, Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday, July 8, 2024, near Matagorda, TX, about 100 miles from Houston, battering Southeast Texas with heavy rains and winds. The storm has caused...

United Negotiations Update

United Negotiations Update

United Contract Negotiations Update02 July 2024 Dear Sisters and Brothers, Last week, your IAM District 141 United Airlines Negotiating Committee, with your invaluable support, met with United Airlines management and began Section Six negotiations on the Fleet...

June Helping Hands – Sleep and Wellness

June Helping Hands – Sleep and Wellness

EAP Peers:        This month we address sleep. Sleep and its relationship with mental health, in particular sleep and depression are discussed. How to improve sleep habits and some sleep facts are included on page 2.         Healthy sleep is one of the most important...

Share This