WASHINGTON — Former employees of Spirit Airlines have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging the airline failed to provide required advance notice before a mass layoff that followed the carrier’s shutdown on May 2.
The complaint, filed May 12 by six former employees, alleges violations of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act of 1988 and seeks 60 days of wages and benefits, including healthcare coverage and retirement contributions.
The lawsuit states that Spirit Airlines notified employees on May 2 through an email from CEO David Davis that the company had “decided to cease operations immediately.” It also alleges that workers were told they would be paid for hours worked through that date but did not receive final paychecks or compensation for unused leave.
According to the filing, employees were previously told to continue working and disregard reports that the airline was nearing closure. The plaintiffs said they were surprised by the sudden announcement of the shutdown.
The lawsuit also claims Spirit Airlines attempted to secure $10.7 million in retention bonuses for senior executives and other employees during the wind-down process.
In WARN notices filed in Florida, the company said it did not issue earlier layoff notices because it was attempting to secure financing and said advance notice could have affected those negotiations.
The airline, which once operated hundreds of daily flights and employed about 17,000 workers, shut down after emerging from two bankruptcies and citing financial pressures, including high fuel costs.
An attorney for the employees, Eric Lechtzin, said the lawsuit seeks compensation tied to lost benefits and coverage, adding that affected workers are now seeking new employment and healthcare options.
He said many employees are dealing with medical conditions or dependents and are uncertain about continued access to healthcare coverage following the shutdown.