Fed-up flight attendants at Frontier Airlines are planning a strike that could spark nationwide travel hell.
The Denver-based carrier’s flight attendants are furious about management’s new ‘out-and-back’ business model which means they return to their destination of origin every day. Previously their schedule had involved staying overnight at other stops further from home.
The more than 4,100 Frontier flight attendants being represented by the Association of Flight Attendants argue that the business model change increases their out-of-pocket costs and reduces their pay.
AFA International President Sara Nelson said in a press release: ‘Frontier management is putting their “cost savings” plan on Flight Attendants’ backs. It’s a gross example of corporate greed that devalues the contributions of these Flight Attendants to the airline and creates incredible instability for the people who make Frontier fly.
‘Frontier must negotiate to reflect the impact of their completely new business model.’
Frontier flight attendants are threatening to strike after 99.6 percent of flight attendants voted in favor of one
When the AFA notified Frontier management of their concerns in April, they outlined that attendants would be paid less and have to spend more on commuting. Per diem is also taxed on one-day trips, according to an AFA press release.
One flight attendant experienced a 17 percent drop in paid flight hours between February and April and eight more trips to the airport.
Put into effect in April, the new model is meant to prevent delays and cancelations, as well as save the airline $200million this year, Reuters reported.
But this change to improve efficiency and increase savings was made at the expense of flight attendants, the AFA alleges.
AFA Frontier President said in a press release: ‘Frontier Flight Attendants are struggling to earn a living because of management’s new “out-and-back” model. The impact of this change has turned our lives and our paychecks upside down.
A strike could mean chaos for Frontier Airlines, which schedules 500 flights each day
Frontier Airlines’ headquarters is in Denver, Colorado
‘The harm is real and happening right now. We’re ready to do whatever it takes to bring management to the table.’
Flight attendants overwhelmingly support the idea of striking, with 99.6 percent approving of it and 92.7 percent saying they would participate in it in an AFA vote.
A strike could have a detrimental impact on the airline, which schedules over 500 flights everyday. Each plane can hold anywhere from 180 to 240 people, depending on the aircraft’s model.
The AFA plans to use its ‘CHAOS’ – Create Havoc Around Our System – strategy to get their desired outcome. This could mean beginning a strike completely unannounced.
‘The union decides when, where and how to strike without notice to management or passengers,’ an AFA press release reads.
No strike date has been set.
The Association of Flight Attendants argued that the changed business model is at the expense of flight attendants
Anywhere from 180 to 240 people can fit on a Frontier flight, depending on the plane’s model
The airline has not met the union’s demands, which include compensation and accommodations for flight attendants.
It appears management is not taking the threat of a strike seriously. They even argue that a strike would be illegal.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, Frontier Airlines wrote: ‘Frontier Airlines is fully committed to maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with our flight attendants and to negotiating a fair contract. However, negotiations are nowhere near a point where a strike can legally occur.
‘The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) knows this but is resorting to tactics designed to generate publicity and fuel fear at the expense of the flying public.’
‘In the meantime, Frontier has been meeting monthly in direct bargaining with the AFA since last December and remains committed to negotiating in good faith to achieve an agreement that supports our flight attendants and ensures the continued success of our company.’
Frontier said they are not in supervised mediation with the AFA, so a strike vote ‘cannot even be considered.’
Frontier said that the flight attendants are threatening to strike to cause a stir and there is no legal backing to it
The AFA and Frontier Airlines have been in direct bargaining since December, according to the airline
The AFA told Reuters in April that the business plan could reduce pay by 20 percent for new hires. Frontier pays newly hired fight attendants $26 per hour. They are only paid when the plane is in motion.
The AFA notified management that their business decision violated the Railroad Labor Act, the applies to labor in the railroad and airline industries.
The possibility of a strike comes after the union filed a mediation claim in May with the National Mediation Board.
