An Open Letter about Strikes

As Wednesday’s contract vote approaches, we are receiving a lot of questions from employees regarding the vote and the potential consequences of the proposed contract being rejected.  

Spirit respects our employees’ right to bargain and right to strike.  But we firmly believe that nobody wins in a strike.  We strongly encourage you to fully understand the impacts voting to strike.

During a strike, you do not control whether you work.  The company has the right to halt production and keep employees from crossing the picket line and returning to work.

You will lose your wages and benefits while on strike.  Consider the below list and example:

• Pay: You will not receive any wages from Spirit while you are on strike.
• Health Care: Employer subsidization of your health care coverage will stop.
• Unemployment: In Kansas, you are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits during a strike.
• Overtime: In addition to losing wages, employees will miss the opportunity for overtime at premium pay.
• Retirement: Pension contributions are stopped.  
• Paid Time Off: You cannot cover your time on strike with vacation, nor will you accrue vacation or sick leave while on strike.

In addition to its impact on you and the company, a strike also means losses for our vendors and suppliers, our customers, and our communities.

Spirit believes that it has made a fair and competitive offer.  If the current offer is rejected, there is no guarantee that there will be a better one.  In fact, the same terms of the current offer do not need to be put back on the table.

We realize this is a lot to consider.  As you go to the ballot box on Wednesday, please take control of your own destiny and do what is best for you and your family. How you vote is your personal choice.