October 31, 2022
Dear Spirit Airlines Technicians:
Your AMFA- Spirit Airlines (NKS) Transition Committee is in place, led by the Interim NKS Airline Representative (ALR) who is the main point of contact for your group. The AMFA-NKS ALR oversees the enforcement of your status quo work rules, pay and benefits, and is a voting member of your Negotiating Committee. There are also Interim Area Representatives who assist the ALR and facilitate communications on the floor. We would like to thank these individuals for stepping up during this critical transition period and process. There will be a special election in the next weeks to fill these positions. Please stay engaged and participate.
AMFA-Spirit Airlines Interim Transition Committee:
Interim ALR: Jason Salazar
Interim Area Representatives
- DFW, IAH, LAS: Jason Salazar
- ACY, BWI, DTW, LBE, ORD: Johnathan Daniel
- Mx Control and RIN Team: Juan Cruz
- ATL, MCO, PHL, TPA: Enrique Hernandez
- FLL, MIA, MYR, RSW: James Mota
On September 1, 2022, you should have received a Digital New Member Package (PDF) containing an Application for Membership and outlining the next steps to become an AMFA member in good standing. As a member in good standing, you will be able to exercise your rights to attend union meetings, participate as an observer in negotiations, vote on contracts and letters of agreement, and nominate and vote for your union representatives. Below is a recap of the steps necessary to activate your member in good standing status:
- Application for Membership – submit the attached Application for Membership via email to admin@amfanatl.org or fax to 303-362-7736. Be sure to include your address, cell phone, and personal email address on this form.
Important: You must provide a personal email address to receive Association updates as well as voting communications.
- Monthly Dues Payment – Until the Company establishes a payroll deduction procedure, monthly dues payments will be made on the AMFA National website under Member Resources >> Online Dues Payment >> AMFA Dues or by using this QR code from your smart device.
Important: Dues are two times (2x) your base rate and must be paid by the 10th of each month in accordance with the AMFA Constitution. You may leave the AMFA # field blank until you’re assigned an AMFA number.
Your dues will be initially used to support your elected NKS representatives, professional staff, and current negotiations for your collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
- AMFA National Website Registration – Please see attached instructions to register with the National website to download the AMFA App or use this QR code.
We encourage all of our members to register with the AMFA National Website, under “Member Resources”, and to download the new AMFA app to your smartphone or tablet. Doing so will ensure that you receive the most up-to-date news from the Association, including negotiation updates and voting instructions.
We are asking for your participation in the current survey being conducted to help identify the group’s collective bargaining goals, which is open until November 17. Your candid responses will help determine the best communication methods specific to your group and guide your Negotiating Committee to achieve your first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
With respect to bargaining, the Company may propose expedited negotiations toward a Letter of Agreement (“LOA”) focused on limited issues. The potential upside of any such proposal could mean a quicker agreement providing economic gains sooner. The downside of that type of bargaining is that issues that are not as high priority as the top asks would remain as they currently are in the Company policies and procedures. We hope that Spirit Airlines management would not intentionally slow roll or stall these initial negotiations since that would be in violation of the RLA section 2, First, which requires the carrier to make “every reasonable effort” to 1) bargain in faith and 2) to come to an agreement.
Understanding that basic formula, the survey includes the following essential question to ascertain the group’s wishes: If the Company approaches AMFA and offers limited issue expedited negotiations, would you be open to that proposal? If you have not already done so, please complete this vital survey before November 17. Anyone with questions, should contact 720-744-6629 or elections@amfanatl.org.
On November 17, AMFA and Spirit agreed to meet to introduce ourselves formally and discuss the road ahead to begin bargaining for your CBA. AMFA will be proposing bargaining dates in November, December, and January at mutually agreed locations. AMFA will press its position that the scheduling of more frequent negotiation dates is required for the Parties to fulfill their legal obligations under Section 2, First of the Act.
I ask you to continue to be vigilant and engaged with your union officers and representatives. In doing so, monitor the Spirit Airlines page of the AMFA National website for airline-specific details. Tools remain in place for our members to acquire Association and industry related updates via the AMFA National Website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the AMFA Insider Podcast. Additionally, AMFA leaders will be visiting your stations to assist in the transition process and answer your questions about your rights and obligations as AMFA represented employees. Stay engaged, remain informed, and continue to support the Negotiating Committee as that support increases the Committee’s ability to bargain a CBA your hard work deserves.
In Solidarity,
Bret Oestreich
National President
