mickey2000
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AC Press
"EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — About 10 Spirit Airlines flight attendants walked a picket line at Atlantic City International Airport on Friday afternoon, carrying placards demanding a new contract and handing out information to passengers.
The airline’s flight attendants have been working under an “amendable” contract since August 2007, and have not had a cost-of-living wage increase since then, said Amy Drinkhouse, of the Association of Flight Attendants Local 76. Spirit flight attendants around the country staged similar actions Friday.
“Our company makes a lot of money,” and can afford to give raises, said Drinkhouse, of Galloway Township. “We fill our airplanes, and our flight attendants work very hard.”
The flight attendants, and one or two pilots, walked in a circle near the parking garage, carrying signs with slogans such as “Spirit Airlines delay, It’s not OK” and “Contract now or chaos later.”
Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson said in a released statement that the flight attendants do a great job for the company and its passengers.
“We are committed to reaching a fair agreement that rewards our flight attendants for their contribution and helps in propelling the company’s growth,” Pinson said.
A flier handed out to passengers and others walking by at the airport said Spirit reports millions of dollars in annual profits while employees struggle with a higher cost of living but no raises.
“It’s hard to understand how all of the Spirit Airlines employees make our airline successful, while only a few at the top reap the benefits,” the flier read. “We are dedicated to reaching an agreement that reflects our contribution to the airline’s success.”
This is the second incident of labor unrest for the airline within a year. Pilots went on strike for five days in June after more than three years of unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a contract.
“A lot of the flight attendants walked with the pilots in June, so they’re coming to support us as well,” said flight attendant Thomas Rainier, of Little Egg Harbor Township.
When the pilots settled their contract, they received a pay increase and in turn agreed to pay more of their health-insurance costs, Drinkhouse said. The flight attendants also had to pay that same increase in health premiums, but without the raise.
The Association of Flight Attendants represents 700 Spirit employees nationwide, including 33 based in the Atlantic City area, Drinkhouse said.
Flight attendants are the first responders to emergencies that occur during flights and often attend to medical problems as well as keep passengers safe and comfortable, Drinkhouse said.
Drinkhouse said she hopes the picketing helps motivate the company to negotiate a contract, but couldn’t comment on whether a strike is the next step should this job action fail.
About half a dozen State Police troopers and one police dog stood by, but everything remained orderly. State Police added a few troopers to the team usually assigned to the airport as a precaution, said Capt. Frank Davis."
"EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — About 10 Spirit Airlines flight attendants walked a picket line at Atlantic City International Airport on Friday afternoon, carrying placards demanding a new contract and handing out information to passengers.
The airline’s flight attendants have been working under an “amendable” contract since August 2007, and have not had a cost-of-living wage increase since then, said Amy Drinkhouse, of the Association of Flight Attendants Local 76. Spirit flight attendants around the country staged similar actions Friday.
“Our company makes a lot of money,” and can afford to give raises, said Drinkhouse, of Galloway Township. “We fill our airplanes, and our flight attendants work very hard.”
The flight attendants, and one or two pilots, walked in a circle near the parking garage, carrying signs with slogans such as “Spirit Airlines delay, It’s not OK” and “Contract now or chaos later.”
Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson said in a released statement that the flight attendants do a great job for the company and its passengers.
“We are committed to reaching a fair agreement that rewards our flight attendants for their contribution and helps in propelling the company’s growth,” Pinson said.
A flier handed out to passengers and others walking by at the airport said Spirit reports millions of dollars in annual profits while employees struggle with a higher cost of living but no raises.
“It’s hard to understand how all of the Spirit Airlines employees make our airline successful, while only a few at the top reap the benefits,” the flier read. “We are dedicated to reaching an agreement that reflects our contribution to the airline’s success.”
This is the second incident of labor unrest for the airline within a year. Pilots went on strike for five days in June after more than three years of unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a contract.
“A lot of the flight attendants walked with the pilots in June, so they’re coming to support us as well,” said flight attendant Thomas Rainier, of Little Egg Harbor Township.
When the pilots settled their contract, they received a pay increase and in turn agreed to pay more of their health-insurance costs, Drinkhouse said. The flight attendants also had to pay that same increase in health premiums, but without the raise.
The Association of Flight Attendants represents 700 Spirit employees nationwide, including 33 based in the Atlantic City area, Drinkhouse said.
Flight attendants are the first responders to emergencies that occur during flights and often attend to medical problems as well as keep passengers safe and comfortable, Drinkhouse said.
Drinkhouse said she hopes the picketing helps motivate the company to negotiate a contract, but couldn’t comment on whether a strike is the next step should this job action fail.
About half a dozen State Police troopers and one police dog stood by, but everything remained orderly. State Police added a few troopers to the team usually assigned to the airport as a precaution, said Capt. Frank Davis."
