Spirit Airlines Former Employees File Class-Action Over Unpaid Wages And Benefits After Shutdown

Former employees of Spirit Airlines have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that they were not paid their wages and benefits following the airline’s sudden shutdown. The company ceased operations on May 2, leaving approximately 17,000 employees out of work.

According to the complaint, Spirit Airlines failed to provide the 60-day advance notice required under the U.S. federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The plaintiffs argue that employees were informed of the shutdown abruptly via email, resulting in significant financial and employment hardship.

Former staff also claim they have not received final paychecks, health insurance coverage continuation, retirement contributions, or payouts for unused vacation and sick leave. In addition, the lawsuit criticizes the airline’s request for $10.7 million in executive retention bonuses during its wind-down process.