Spirit Airlines and its pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have ratified a new five-year working agreement on February 28. Of the 98% of pilots who voted, 70% cast ballots in favor of the agreement.
“This agreement increases our annual compensation, delivers job protections, and maintains important quality-of-life protections,” said Capt. Stuart Morrison, chairman of the Spirit unit of ALPA. “The agreement also significantly improves the ability of Spirit Airlines to attract and retain the highest quality of pilots available.”
Spirit Airlines' agreement with ALPA includes an average 43% increase in pay rates on date of signing, double-digit direct contributions to pilots' retirement plans, and US$75m in ratification compensation.
The ratification of this agreement represents three years of contract negotiations, including nearly two years at the bargaining table with the assistance of the NMB.