JetBlue Airways agreed to raise its flight attendants’ compensation. Because of this commitment, the union representing the airline’s flight attendants expressed its support of the acquisition of Spirit Airlines.
JetBlue flight attendants will receive a 5% pay raise starting November followed by an additional 2% the following year. By 2025, flight attendants will get another wage increase. This makes the raises to have a compound total of 21.5%.
What JetBlue Flight Attendants Can Expect if Acquisition Goes Through?
Aside from pay raise, JetBlue and its cabin crew agreed that protection should be provided to flight attendants if the acquisition of Spirit Airlines materializes. The airline announced that it will not furlough or displace its flight attendants or close associated bases for seven years if the acquisition of the budget airline becomes a reality. In light of this development, the union announced its support of the merger.
The union said in a letter that “With this agreement made by your TWU Local 579 Executive Board and JetBlue, we support the JetBlue and Spirit transaction and will not hold additional informational picket or speak publicly against the acquisition.”
JetBlue’s spokesperson said, “Because our inflight crewmembers play a significant role in delivering the JetBlue experience, it’s important that we’re able to attract and retain high-quality crewmembers with competitive pay and benefits.”
The Justice Department sued to block the airline’s proposed takeover of Spirit Airlines. The trial for this lawsuit starts on October 16. The Justice Department said in its complaint that “JetBlue’s plan would eliminate the unique competition that Spirit provides—and about half of all ultra-low-cost airline seats in the industry—and leave tens of millions of travelers to face higher fares and fewer options.”
Separately, a judge ordered JetBlue and American Airlines to end its alliance in May. According to the judge, the alliance increased fares and reduced competition. American Airlines appealed the court ruling while JetBlue announced that it is focusing on the Spirit Airlines acquisition.
