The TWU Keeps on Thriving
Spirit Air Customer Service Agents Say “Yes” to the TWU in 82% Vote
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Even in the wake of the Janus Supreme Court decision, the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (TWU) continues to flourish.
In an overwhelming 82% vote, Customer Service Agents employed by Spirit Airlines chose to form a union under the banner of the TWU. The vote count took place at the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 4. Representatives from Spirit Airlines did not attend.
“This is the ultimate act of democracy in the workplace,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “They are on the path to take control of their future, and the future of their coworkers. The TWU will wholeheartedly provide any assistance needed.”
Three of the 300 newest members of the TWU – Marcos Perez, Mariluz Ramos and Stephanie Foley – were ecstatic, quickly sharing the news with co-workers.
Perez said he felt “relieved” after the vote count. “I feel like I have some sort of protection and voice now. Before this, it was like going in one ear and out the other.”
Foley agreed. “We take a lot of abuse. A lot of the policies and procedures are made up along the way,” she said of Spirit Air. “They don’t care about us and they showed us today by not coming to the National Mediation Board.”
“We are going to have a voice at the table and that’s big,” Ramos said. “Before it was one-way decision making and now we are not going to be silenced anymore.”
TWU International Director of Organizing Steve Roberts and Assistant Organizing Director Sean Doyle led the campaign drive, which lasted only a couple of months. On June 28, the TWU filed for a representational election with the National Mediation Board. Voting took place via telephone and internet between Aug. 14 and Sept. 4.
The organizing drive was also endorsed by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO.
Sept. 5, 2018
Contact: Denise Romano, 202-719-3837
Source: http://www.twu.org/spirit-air-customer-service-agents-say-yes-to-the-twu-in-82-vote/