Association of Flight Attendants

There appears to be some discontent being expressed on the ra.spiritair.com emails. Most, if not all, of the information being discussed is misleading. This situation is causing a "big" problem and here is why:

You are informing the company that there is dissension with the Union and that is exactly what they want to hear. Don't think for a minute that they would love to NOT have union representation on property. If you have concerns or questions how come you are NOT calling your local union reps and discussing this with them?

Now, let's get to the other problems, which are several. There seems to be a misunderstanding about the "non-rev" policy and the arbitration settlement. So we are going to clarify some "misconceptions" and they are as follows:

• The Non-Rev Travel Privileges has absolutely NOTHING to do with reserving the jump-seat. This still and will always remain "first to reserve-first to get the jump seat". Period.
   
• The arbitration regarding the non-rev travel privileges is a crystal clear company violation of the contract. The contract states that our non-rev travel privileges shall not be diminished from the level of these benefits provided as of January 14, 2003. Our non-rev travel benefits at that time were based on seniority. The Union is bound to uphold the contract. We do not have the luxury of "picking and choosing" what we want and what to throw out the window. The current contract stands in its entirety, until another is negotiated.
   
• The BudLite aprons are another issue and you need to speak to the previous MEC President.
   
• The Union is based on membership representation. Local Presidents are elected to represent their respective local members. When a Local President is elected, the local members have spoken with their vote(s) that this individual will represent their rights. They have given their voice to their Local President. This also means local members/flight attendants in that base should attend local meetings, receive all elines that are sent out to all members. When was the last time you attended a local meeting?
   
• This situation DOES NOT require a "vote". It is contractual. There is nothing to vote on. This was agreed upon when the contract was signed on February 7, 2003. Our "bible" is the present contract. There are no deals made. We enforce the contract. Period.
   
• A survey is not cost effective and logistically impossible. However, a survey was sent out to all Spirit flight attendants for our new contract negotiations. At the time we had well over 700 flight attendants and we received 66 surveys back. Did you fill out your survey?
   
• We will not dissect the contract. We will not pick and choose only the good parts. The contract stands as a whole. It protects and represents ALL flight attendants. Our job is to enforce what is best for everybody, not just a few. Does that mean there are parts of the contract that some don't like? Absolutely! Does that mean that there are flight attendants who violate their own contract because it is in their own best interest? Absolutely!
   

Let me ask you a question. Do you like working 8 hours a day, getting paid $21-35 per hour, receiving tax free Per Diem, your medical benefits, 14 hour duty days, getting paid over time, 401(k) benefits, sick time and pay, vacation and float vacation, bidding based on seniority, the ability to pick up Open Time trips, required rest between trips and representation for any discipline? Well, if you answered yes, it is all because of your Union and your contract. Think about it. Or you could be working for $5.00 per hour, supplementing our wages with commission from onboard sales, working 18-24 hours per day, no Per Diem, no sick time, no vacation, no rest, no Daily Open Time, no medical benefits, no rights regarding discipline, no rights whatsoever. Everything that you are enjoying as a flight attendant here at Spirit Airlines is a direct result of hard work, sweat and tears from your union representatives. If this is not the type of place you would like to work for, go to another airline that is non-union and see the difference. Trust me, it's ugly very ugly.

I hope you now understand the dynamics of the union, the structure and how it works. If not, call your local union rep and they will be more than happy to clear up any confusion.

All of the Union representatives, here at Spirit Airlines work hard, very hard, they work on their days off, take phone calls 24/7, miss time with their families, lose wages, and fight passionately for your rights. They are volunteers that believe in the Union, its importance and its power. If you don’t feel we are doing our job, stand up to the plate. It’s your turn.

In Solidarity,

MEC Executive Board
AFA-CWA, Spirit Airlines, Inc.