Spirit Airlines employees, adrift with no severance or healthcare, turn to GoFundMe after company's collapse

"Spirit Airlines abruptly ended operations in the early morning on Saturday, May 2, following a failed government bailout for Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc. The company shutdown left customers stranded -the carrier flew more than 50,000 passengers the day before-and about 17,000 employees without a job, effective immediately."

"According to Spirit's team members guide, the company will pay employees for their work through May 2 but is offering no severance package. Spirit also ended benefits for employees enrolled in its medical, dental, and vision plans on Saturday. Individuals can opt to receive COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) coverage until May 31 by paying both the employee and employer premiums. After that, they have 60 days to enroll in insurance plans sold through Affordable Care Act ( ACA) marketplaces (sometimes called Obamacare)."

"The guide also includes the question, "If a family member has a serious/chronic illness/is about to deliver a baby, will the Company assist me financially until we can get on a new plan?" Spirit's answer: No, it won't."

"Searching " Spirit Airlines " on the donation site leads to campaign after campaign from former captains, flight attendants, and ground staff. Many of the campaigns highlight that the person is looking for new employment but, until then, needs support to stay afloat financially."

Spirit Airlines stopped flying in the early morning on May 2 after a failed government bailout for Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc. The shutdown left more than 50,000 passengers who flew the day before stranded and left about 17,000 employees without jobs effective immediately. Many former captains, flight attendants, and ground staff turned to GoFundMe campaigns for financial support while searching for new employment. Spirit’s team members guide states employees would be paid only through May 2 and would receive no severance. Medical, dental, and vision benefits ended on Saturday, with COBRA available until May 31 by paying both premiums, followed by a 60-day window to enroll through ACA marketplaces. The guide indicates the company would not provide financial assistance for serious or chronic illness or pregnancy until a new plan is secured.

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