IAM members recently ratified a five-year labor contract with Spirit Airlines, creating the highest wages and overall compensation rates for ramp agents in the carrier’s history.
The proposal was approved by a 98 percent margin, covering about 300 workers represented by IAM District 141.
The ratified pact includes wage increases that, on average, would be 30 percent higher than current earnings. The previous top pay was $15.51 per hour. The new contract pushes the highest pay bracket to $23 an hour, and over the life of the agreement will rise to $24.78.
The contract, which the IAM negotiating committee unanimously recommended members ratify, also includes more opportunities for double-time pay, new trainer positions and paid vacation for part-time agents.
The proposal also included a ratification bonus of $100 per year of service, with a $500 minimum.
The ratified deal also comes just weeks after company negotiators at Spirit had asked that talks enter mediation, a process that could have pulled the brakes on finding a deal before the holidays. Fortunately, the company and union reached a tentative agreement only two weeks later, avoiding time-consuming mediation.
“We’re coming out of a pandemic right now, the same pandemic that crippled airlines for nearly a year,” said lead negotiator Tony Gibson. “And, despite all that, our members at Spirit didn’t give up anything. This contract will make the Spirit workplace better – and only better. There are no concessions in this agreement.”
“This strong contract is a win for our hard-working members who have had to weather a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic. They stood strong, and this contract rewards that hard work and dedication with provisions like higher wages and respect in the workplace,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “I want to thank the staff at District 141 and each and every member of the negotiations committee who stood strong for this good contract.”
“I want to thank our IAM Negotiating Committee at Spirit for the outstanding work they’ve accomplished with this agreement. I particularly want to recognize the contributions of Local 368 members Almarie Jean, Linda Germain, Christopher Willis, and Gregory De La Cruz, who helped put this deal together,” said District 141 President and Directing General Chair Mike Klemm. “Along with District 141 Assistant General Chairs Andrea’ Myers, and Lead Negotiator Tony Gibson, this team spent countless hours away from loved ones to create a better workplace for our Spirit membership.”
“This ratified deal provides respect on the job for all of our hard-working member at Spirit Airlines,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “These men and women have been on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they proved every day that their dedication to make sure passengers arrive to their locations safely should be rewarded with higher wages and other improved provisions in a collective bargaining agreement.”
Today is a day we all get a chance to honor those who served. So many IAM Transportation members have bravely defended our nation in the armed forces.
Their service allows all of us to enjoy so many freedoms. Like the military, transportation careers are made up of individuals who form a team to accomplish the task at hand. Our union is fortunate that so many veterans choose to be a part of the IAM family.
On Veterans Day and every day, please take some time to say thank you to a fellow IAM member who has served in the military. Their bravery has contributed significantly to the transportation industry and our great union.
In solidarity,
Richard Johnsen
IAM Chief of Staff to the International President
IAM District 9 in Bridgeton, MO, recently honored its district’s military veterans at an annual Veterans Appreciation Brunch.
The decade-strong annual event included a free brunch, guest speakers, and recognition of service for each veteran. About 100 people attended the event.
District 9 has a large membership base of military veterans, many of whom say the armed forces taught them skills and values that they now use in the workplace and the labor movement
“I’m thrilled that I went in to the military when I did and I ended up with 7 and a half years active duty. I think it grew me up, matured me and gave me the bond of brotherhood. I got to learn a trade and was a machinist in the Army,” said Jason Tetidrick, IAM District 9 Assistant Directing Business Rep., and a U.S. Army Veteran
The brunch also included words of support from Ed Manhart, IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Director, and Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President.
Johnsen spoke on behalf of IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr.
“Bob Martinez, being a veteran of the U.S. Navy, he holds our veterans very dear and they hold a special place in this organization. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the IAM represents more veterans than any other union,” Johnsen said.
“It’s always an honor to recognize the dedication of our IAM members who have served our country. They’ve done so much for our great nation, and our union is forever indebted to them,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “This annual event is a small token of appreciation, and a promise to continue to honor our brave Brothers and Sisters by fighting for respect in the workplace and beyond.”
On November 6, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, better known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. It’s great news for Machinists Union members in the United States, especially in the transportation sector, because the I-A-M fought for these investments. Not only will this legislation repair and rebuild our roads and bridges, but it will improve transportation options through the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history.
Our airports and ports will be upgraded to strengthen supply chains, address repair and maintenance backlogs and create more, good-paying union jobs.
It will also make the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak… allowing the U-S to catch up to the rest of the world in reliability, speed and coverage, especially when it comes to high-speed rail. The package will also strengthen Buy America rules to help boost our domestic manufacturing sectors. This all means working families can live a better life with decent wages and benefits.
Two IAM members will be part of a Veterans Day Special that scheduled to air on Wichita’s KWLS 107.9 FM radio station on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. ET / 9 a.m. CT.
Radio DJ “Gentle Ben” will host the special feature highlighting the IAM Veterans Service Program and the services they provide military veteran members of the IAM.
In the special broadcast, Gentle Ben interviews IAM District 70 Secretary-Treasurer Teressa Peart and IAM Special Representative Bryan Stymacks, who are both U.S. military veterans.
Sister Peart and Brother Stymacks are among the thousands of IAM members who are veterans of the nation’s armed forces.
We hope you’ll tune in for this Veterans Day special locally at 107.9 FM in Wichita or by clicking here to listen live on kwlsradio.com on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. ET / 9 a.m. CT.
