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Spirit Airlines cancels flights through Thursday

By the CNN Wire Staff
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Spirit Airlines cancels all flights
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Two sides could not reach agreement over pay
  • Spirit Airlines cancels all flights through Thursday
  • Pilots complain their pay is lower than counterparts at other airlines
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(CNN) -- Spirit Airlines has canceled all flights through Thursday, adding another day to cancellations that started Saturday as a result of a pilots' union strike.

Customers will receive flight credits for the full purchase amount for unflown flights as well as a $100 credit toward future flights. Passengers who opt for a full refund may call 1-800-772-7117.

Hundreds of Spirit pilots walked off their jobs Saturday morning after negotiations over pay with the low-cost carrier hit a stalemate.

The two sides had worked through the night to reach an agreement but could not resolve their differences.

"Immediately after 5:00 a.m., the Spirit Pilot Master Executive Council, as authorized by our pilots, called for and instituted a lawful strike against our management," said Capt. Sean Creed, head of the Spirit unit of the pilots' union Airline Pilots Association.

The airline initially canceled all flights for Saturday and, in a message posted on its website, promised passengers a refund or a flight credit.

"Spirit Airlines is continuing to work with our pilot union to reach a fair and equitable agreement that ensures the long-term stability of the company, and allows us to continue offering you the ultra-low fares you have come to know and love," said a statement to customers on the airline's website.

Spirit pilots have complained their pay is not proportional to those of their counterparts at other American airlines.

"The strike comes after nearly four years of contract negotiations and numerous attempts by the pilots to find a middle ground with management and avoid a strike," the Airline Pilots Association said in a statement. "All Spirit pilots, especially first officers, have been working at below-market rates for years, and under substandard work rules."