Grievance
What Does This Committee Do?
This Grievance Committee is composed of members interested in representing their fellow Flight Attendants in situations regarding contractual violations and disputes with management.
A Grievance Representative’s primary responsibility is the protection of all Flight Attendants against arbitrary and unjust disciplinary action and to uphold the collective bargaining agreement.
You have questions? We’ve got answers!
A Few Quick Grievance Tips!
-
Tip 1:
If questioned about a complaint letter, ask the inquirer to email it to you. Immediately email your Local Grievance Committee before providing a written response
-
Tip 2:
You’re entitled to AFA representation ANYTIME you participate in a discussion or meeting with management.
-
Tip 3:
If you receive a Letter of Discipline and you disagree, you may have a grievance filed on your behalf.
Note: You MUST be off of probation in order to have a formal grievance filed on your behalf.
-
Tip 4:
Your Grievance case will only be as strong as you make it! Please be sure to provide all required information in a timely manner. You will be asked to provide a fact-based statement–so start working on that as soon as possible.
Notice of Investigations (NOI’s): How to Handle Them
What is a Notice of Investigation?
“A Notice of Investigation is issued to formally advise a Flight Attendant that an event has occurred that requires an investigative meeting. The Company’s investigation will determine if points and/or a Notice, Final Warning, or Termination is warranted. Please refer to Section 22.C of the Flight Attendant Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) regarding the NOI meeting process.” - Spirit Airlines Attendance & Reliability Policy For All Flight Attendants, Rev. 2 May 2018
For additional information regarding the grievance process, please refer to your current collective bargaining agreement, Section 22: Grievance Procedure and System Board (22.C.1 and 22.C.2)
1.) Step One: Read the Letter / Email
The NOI letter from the company will provide details about all of the information you need for the NOI process.
Please DO NOT ignore the letter! Follow what it says to do; take a deep breath and keep a level head.
Reach out to your local EAP representatives if you are feeling overwhelmed.
2.) Step Two: Reach Out to Your Inflight Supervisor
Your supervisor and their contact information will be listed in the letter and the preferred method of contact.
Spirit AFA-CWA strongly recommends emailing your supervisor; this creates a paper trail and documents that you have followed the correct NOI procedure.
Only email once; you have now done your due diligence, and the ball is in their court.
3.) Step Three: Schedule Your Notice of Investigation (NOI)
Schedule your meeting with the company; the date and time must be mutually agreed upon. (CBA 22.C.2)
We STRONGLY urge you to consult with a local grievance representative FIRST to decide on a meeting date to ensure you have AFA representation before contacting management! Management is urging flight attendants to not have AFA present!
If you fail to schedule your meeting, a time will automatically be scheduled and you won’t be able to prepare properly for your investigation.
It might be tempting to schedule your meeting right away just to “get it over with,” but consider doing yourself a favor by scheduling it a few days out. This gives you and your grievance team time to gather information that could potentially help your case.
Contact Your Local Grievance Team!
4.) Step Four: Request an AFA-CWA Representative
Why, you ask? Going into these meetings without an AFA Grievance Representative is like going into court without a lawyer. Would you go to court without your lawyer if you’re innocent?
It should be a RED FLAG to a flight attendant when approached by a supervisor stating any of the following:
You do not need a union representative present.
You can waive your rights to representation.
That a supervisor used to be a grievance representative and they “know how grievance works.”
We STRONGLY urge you to consult with a local grievance representative FIRST to decide on a meeting date to ensure you have AFA representation before contacting management! Management is urging flight attendants to not have AFA present!
The AFA dues you pay each paycheck give you access to representation from an AFA representative who is trained to protect YOU!
Your AFA Representatives know both the contract as well as the company policies and will have your back throughout the entire process.
5.) Step Five: Submit Supporting Information
If you wish to discuss your case with an AFA representative prior to your investigative meeting, please reach out to your Grievance Committee using your PERSONAL EMAIL to schedule a time to discuss your case.
Make sure you gather all documentation and review it prior to speaking with your representative. Please ensure to send your representative anything you would like them to review beforehand.
Be sure to title the subject of your email in the following format: employee number - full name, NOI Assistance.
EX: 123456 - Sally Johnson, NOI Assistance
Grievance Hot Topics & Resources
-
Personal Responsibility Handbook
At Spirit Airlines we SOAR by serving each other and our guests, one journey at a time. All Flight Attendants are expected to serve as Brand Ambassadors.
Spirit’s Personal Responsibility Policy (PRP), which applies to Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants, sets forth Spirit Airlines’ expectations and policies that all Flight Attendants must be aware and meet to ensure the well- being of our team members, guests, and business partners.
Sign In Using Employee Credentials on Spirit LiNK
-
Attendance & Reliability Handbook
At Spirit Airlines we SOAR by serving each other and our guests, one journey at a time. All Flight Attendants are expected to serve as Brand Ambassadors.
The following information is provided to assist you in understanding the basic components of the Attendance & Reliability Policy and how Events covered by this Policy will affect your employment status and your overall work record with the Company.
Sign In Using Employee Credentials on Spirit LiNK
-
Spirit Airlines Look Book
The Flight Attendant uniform identifies you as a Spirit Crew Member, a member of our Inflight Team, and as a Brand Ambassador for Spirit Airlines.
Adhering to the Look Book standards and polish guidelines set forth are required anytime you are in uniform, reporting for work, or traveling on Company business.The Flight Attendant Look Book is designed to help you present a professional, polished image that is aligned with our Spirit brand.
Sign In To Comply365 Using Employee Credentials
-
Know Section 22: Grievance Procedure
You’re entitled to AFA representation ANYTIME you participate in a discussion or meeting with management.
Often times Flight Attendants are contacted by a supervisor to request information. Before continuing the conversation, ask them: “Could this conversation result in discipline against me or another?”
Published: 1/10/2018
-
Know Your Contract!
The Foundation of Any Grievance is Citing How the Company Violated the Contract:
There are two kinds of grievances: grievances challenging company actions that violate your contract (such as scheduling violations) and grievances challenging company discipline.
Published: 2/23/2019
-
Global Cash Card
Recently, our Flight Attendant group have expressed concerns about the company’s agreement with LSG to change commission payments to the Global Cash Card. This change has raised various concerns and caused various issues when attempting to use/access funds.
Updated: 1/23/2020
Still Have Questions?!
Find a Representative In Your Base!
-
Local 37: Orlando & Miami
-
Local 73: Las Vegas
-
Local 74: Dallas & Houston
-
Local 76: Detroit & Atlantic City
-
Local 77: Chicago & Atlanta
-
Local 78: Ft. Lauderdale
Did You Know?!
This Grievance Committee is composed of members interested in representing their fellow Flight Attendants in situations regarding contractual violations and disputes with management. If this sounds interesting to you, check out the facts, duties, responsibilities, and qualifications about the committee and submit a commitment to serve!
-
The Grievance Committee’s primary responsibility is the protection of all Flight Attendants against arbitrary and unjust disciplinary action and to uphold the collective bargaining agreement.
-
As a representative, you would:
Enforce the contract.
Represent all Flight Attendants when unjust discipline is issued.
Collect evidence and establish that the alleged violation has occurred. Solicit documentation as needed.
Clearly and persuasively explain the Union’s position concerning a grievance.
Frankly explain to a grievant when there is little or no chance of winning a grievance.
File grievances; ensure that time limits are met for filing.
Handle initial grievance hearings; report the results to the LEC Officers and the grievant.
Keep complete files on assigned cases using manual and electronic systems.
Assist Union attorneys in preparing grievances for System Board.
Keep the grievant informed about the processing of their grievance.
Review material, handle correspondence, and keep the LEC Officers well informed of current grievance developments.
Communicate regularly with the membership about decisions on local grievances—promote wins and explain ramifications of a loss.
Write grievance articles for local membership communications upon request by the LEC Officers.
-
Qualifications include:
Willingness to attend the requisite grievance training(s).
In-depth knowledge of the contract.
Understanding of the principles of just cause.
Adherence to committee policies, procedures, and standards of ethical conduct.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and personal information.
Maintenance of member-in-good-standing status.
Ability to remain in good standing with the company.
Willingness to do ongoing committee work on a volunteer basis.
-
The Grievance Committee is available to help you with:
Guidance and assistance in situations where contractual violations have occurred.
Representation in disciplinary meetings and hearings.