In a hotly contested election overseen by the National Mediation Board (NMB), nearly 220 Spirit Airlines ramp agents voted overwhelmingly, by 80 percent, to be represented by the IAM.
The victorious ramp agents, who work at airports in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Detroit, Atlantic City, NJ and Myrtle Beach, SC, began their campaign for IAM representation this spring, and attained the requisite “showing of interest” shortly thereafter. The NMB scheduled a representation election that began June 16.
“The days of Spirit management unilaterally dictating wages and working conditions ends today,” declared Daniel Krampert, a Spirit Ramp Agent in Atlantic City. “This vote begins a new era where we have a voice in determining our future.”
“I welcome and congratulate the ramp agents at Spirit Airlines into the IAM family,” said IAM Transportation General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “I’d also like to thank District 141 Organizing Director Joe Stassi and his team for doing a great job on this campaign.”
The IAM prevailed over an aggressive anti-union campaign by Spirit management that included numerous and flagrant violations of the federal Railway Labor Act, including a sudden and significant pay raise for all employees other than Ramp Agents seeking IAM representation. Federal labor law prohibits granting or withholding pay increases that are designed to influence the outcome of a union representation election.
“Ramp agents at Spirit should be applauded for their courage and conviction in seeking dignity, respect and fairness in their profession,” said District 141 President Rich Delaney. “Today’s victory over harassment and intimidation is a win for the entire labor movement.”
The IAM represents more than 110,000 fleet service, mechanics, flight attendants, customer service, reservation and related airline employees. More information about the IAM’s Spirit Airlines organizing campaign is available at www.iam4spirit.com.
You can read the original article from the www.GoIAM.org webpage here.