(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Richie Johnsen, who serves as Air Transport General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America’s largest Airline Union, has issued the following statement regarding potential Federal relief for Spirit Airlines:

Spirit Airlines Workers, including IAM Ramp Service Employees, are the backbone of this Airline and a lifeline for millions of travelers who depend on affordable air service.

Every day, our Members help make air travel accessible for Working Families, students and communities who rely on Spirit to stay connected.

When Spirit flies, more Americans have access to affordable air travel.

The IAM strongly supports Federal relief for Spirit Airlines, but it must come with clear, enforceable protections for Workers, just like the CARES Act’s Airline Payroll Support Program.

That means no furloughs, no layoffs and no shifting the burden onto the very people who keep this Airline running.

We’ve seen this model work before.

Protecting Workers also protects service.

Keeping experienced Aviation Workers on the job ensures reliability, safety and the affordability passengers count on.

IAM Members at Spirit, and all Front-line Aviation Workers, did not cause this crisis.

They should not be the ones forced to pay the price.

Any Federal assistance must prioritize protecting jobs, preserving pay and benefits, and maintaining the affordable air service that millions of Americans rely on.

The IAM stands ready to work with Policymakers to ensure any relief package puts Workers and passengers first.”

The IAM represents 600,000 Active and Retired Members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, health care, automotive, and other industries across North America.

To Directly Access This IAM Statement Of Spirit Airlines, Go To: IAM Union: Save Spirit Airlines by Protecting Worker Paychecks and Customer Affordability, Not Executive Pay - IAM Union

Spirit Airlines Photo Courtesy Of The IAM.