May 10, 2006

To Spirit card signers:

Thank you for your interest in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers (IAM). As we have previously advised, on April 10, 2006 the IAM filed an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to represent Mechanics at Spirit Airlines. Cards signed by Spirit Mechanics authorizing a representation election were part of the IAM’s application.

Since the filing, rumors have surfaced based on an erroneous newspaper article claiming the Machinists Union is trying to organize Northwest Airlines workers who were hired after the union representing the airline’s Mechanics went on strike.

There is not, nor has there ever been, any IAM campaign to organize Northwest Airlines replacement workers.

Northwest Mechanics became very unsatisfied with the lack of democracy and leadership provided by their union when they were led on strike last August without being permitted to vote on the company’s final offer. The ill-advised strike caused the IAM to begin receiving unsolicited authorization cards from striking Mechanics. These cards were obtained through previous mailings to the Mechanics and were downloaded from Internet websites and are not part of any current campaign.

Although the IAM has received signed cards from striking Northwest Mechanics, we have taken no action to solicit additional cards or begun a campaign to represent them.

In response to the IAM’s filing, Spirit Airlines has hired the high-priced, anti-union law firm of Ford & Harrison for the sole purpose of denying you the ability to unionize and earn the wages and benefits you deserve. This election is not about Northwest Airlines or the IAM; it is about Spirit Airlines and your future.

The IAM is committed to providing Spirit Mechanics the representation they deserve. When the NMB authorizes an election, a vote for the IAM will be a vote for fairness in the workplace and a voice in your future.

I look forward to welcoming you into the Machinists Union and working with you to negotiate your first IAM contract.