A photo of a JetBlue Airways aircraft at the departure gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Fred Prowser | Reuters
jet blue airlines The airline announced it would raise pay for flight attendants and provide other bonuses to staff next year, while the union representing flight attendants agreed to support the company’s plan to buy a low-cost carrier. spirit airlines.
Flight attendants will receive a 5% pay increase starting in November. Including an additional 2% raise, a series of other incentives, and previously negotiated raises under the flight attendants’ union contract, the 2026 pay increase will be an additional 21.5, according to a company memo seen by CNBC on Friday. It is expected to increase by %.
The raises come as the New York-based airline is pursuing its acquisition of Spirit, and the Justice Department is suing to block the merger. Trial in the case is scheduled to begin October 16 in Boston.
According to the memo, JetBlue has agreed not to furlough or lay off any flight attendants or close any associated locations for seven years after the Spirit deal closes.
“The current contract was negotiated during the height of COVID-19, and since then, our flight attendants have been paid significantly less than other airlines,” a JetBlue spokesperson said in a statement. ” he said. “Our cabin crew members play a critical role in delivering the JetBlue experience, so it’s important that we can attract and retain high-quality crew members with competitive pay and benefits.”
The union said it would in turn support Spirit’s planned acquisition.
“This agreement between the TWU Local 579 Executive Committee and JetBlue supports the JetBlue-Spirit deal and will hold additional intelligence pickets and/or publicly speak out against the acquisition.” We do not intend to do so,” the union said in a memo to members.
JetBlue also offers additional pay and other incentives for staff who fly the airline’s transatlantic routes and Mint business class cabins, according to an agreement with the transportation union representing 7,000 JetBlue flight attendants. Agreed.
