Pilots union says it has tentative deal with Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines jets sit on the tarmac Monday in Fort Lauderdale after pilots walked off the job Saturday. A union official announced Wednesday afternoon that the pilots and company had reached a tentative agreement. (June 14, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
The union for striking pilots at Spirit Airlines says it has reached a tentative agreement with the airline.
Andy Nelson, the vice chairman of the pilots' union, says it is still working out the details of when pilots will return to flying.
But he says they're aiming to do it as soon as possible.
Spirit has been grounded since pilots walked out on Saturday in a pay dispute.
Earlier in the day, the airline announced that it had furloughed 600 flight attendants and canceled its flights through Thursday.
At the time, federal mediators were working to help both sides forge an agreement to end the walkout.
The 500 pilots walked out Saturday, and negotiations between Miramar-based Spirit Airlines and the union resumed Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale.
"The National Mediation Board called for the talks, and they're trying to close the gap" between the pilots' salary demands and management's offer, said Art Luby, assistant director of representation for the Air Line Pilots Association. He wouldn't comment on proposals being discussed.
Company spokeswoman Misty Pinson did not have any updates on further cancellations as of early Tuesday evening.
Spirit won't fly Thursday. JetBlue Airlines said it would add a flight between Fort Lauderdale and San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday to accommodate new demand.
Spirit is offering passengers refunds or credits for the costs of flights plus $100 credits for future flights. These are being processed through the company's reservation line at 800-772-7117.
