Spirit Management to Pilots: ‘Call in Sick – and You’re Fired.’

    ALPA pilots stand firm against continued threats from management



    MIRAMAR, Fla., Aug. 14 /EMWNews/ -- Spirit pilots,

represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), responded

today to continued threats of retribution from Spirit management. Pilots

calling in sick are facing invasive investigations and possible

disciplinary actions. The pilots completely refute the ridiculous claims of

management that the pilots have enacted a "sick-in."



    "As in any other profession, employees get sick and are permitted to

stay home to recover. Any reputable company respects the need for sick time

-- without making unwarranted and absurd accusations that the employees are

conspiring against the company," said Capt. Sean Creed, MEC chair of the

Spirit unit of ALPA.



    In August, Spirit management furloughed 45 pilots without a

commensurate reduction in Spirit's scheduled flights. An additional 70

pilots are expected to be furloughed September 1 without any announced

change to scheduling. Management has responded to the self-inflicted

shortage of pilots by discarding contractual obligations and harassing any

pilot who calls in sick or fatigued. The remaining pilots are flying longer

hours with shorter rest periods -- and many are feeling the physical

strain.



    In one notable instance, a pilot called in sick and was required to

take an ambulance to a company-selected doctor for examination. The doctor

confirmed that the pilot was indeed sick and gave the pilot a note

declaring that he shouldn't fly for five days because of his medical

condition. Nonetheless, the company subsequently issued a harassing notice

of investigation to the pilot in reaction to his sick call.



    Pilots face strict guidelines as to when they should fly, as well as

what type of medications they may take while flying. For example, pilots

with sinus infections or severe colds risk bursting an eardrum if they fly.

They also are not allowed to take many common over-the-counter medications

while flying because of potential side effects.



    "Pilots know their limits, and when they are fit to fly -- and when

they aren't," said Capt. Creed. "Even in the face of management's threats

and intimidation, we'll continue to be professional and abide by the safety

standards. Spirit pilots will go on providing good, safe service to our

customers."



    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilot union and represents

55,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the U.S. and Canada, including more than

500 pilots at Spirit Airlines. Visit the ALPA website at

http://www.alpa.org.