Negotiating Update (8/19/2024)

Fellow Pilots,

No False Promises: Actions Must Match Intent

We met the company for mediated negotiation sessions Tuesday through Thursday of last week (August 13th-15th) in Columbus, Ohio. The tone was noticeably more collaborative than it has been in previous sessions. More measurable progress was achieved this week on Sections 14 – Hours of Service, 15 – Scheduling, and 16 – Reserve than has been made in the prior 3+ years of negotiations.

Although we welcome this development, “progress” can be a false promise and has limited value if the parties cannot reach an agreement. Both parties know exactly what is required to get to an agreement on these sections – and it’s time to get it done. The company must go beyond promises, put a decision maker in the room with pen to paper, and commit to both the improvements and protections required to get these sections across the finish line.

To build on progress, the frequency of our meetings will likely increase. A virtual mediation session has been added for Friday, August 23rd. Our next in-person mediation sessions are on September 3rd-5th in Las Vegas. Additional mediation dates in addition to those previously scheduled are being considered. As before, your Negotiating Committee has reiterated its desire and willingness to meet with the company more frequently, with or without the mediator, to achieve significant progress on these sections and expedite the path to an agreement.

Misinformation Reporting

False or misleading information spread by management regarding your Negotiating Committee’s efforts or preparedness during bargaining will not be tolerated. At the East Coast Training Center (ECTC), several members reported that a Regional Chief Pilot may have shared false information about negotiations during a recurrent class.

The baseless accusations that the union is unprepared to negotiate are well past their expiration date. Thank you to those individuals who immediately reported the details of this incident. It has been appropriately referred for further action. Please continue to report these incidents as soon as they occur, with as much detail as possible (who, what, where, when) to negotiations@apa2118.org.

From the Desk – Captain Jim Cole, Recording Analyst

Since I joined the team, last week was the first time I felt the Company actually came to negotiate. I feel better about our progress and discussions we had and I think both sides know what is needed to reach an agreement on scheduling issues. One of my assignments on this team is to gather and analyze the data that we use to justify our bargaining position. The team uses the data when needed to justify that your needs in this contract are operationally and economically attainable, while respecting Allegiant’s unique business model. When we’re in the room, I keep a record of all negotiating activities. I also provide data as needed to support our position as well as assess the company’s position. I look forward to continuing our progress this week and getting closer to an agreement that’s worth your vote.

Closing Thoughts

We will work to make significant progress on the remaining items of Sections 14, 15, and 16. Our goal is to get an agreement as expeditiously as possible that has the necessary quality of life protections and improvements that you deserve. Collective bargaining under the RLA is a tedious journey – those with similar experiences at other carriers can attest to this. Each work rule, pay increase, or medical benefit has to be negotiated and sometimes fought for – the company never just gives them. Your Negotiating Committee is committed to facing these challenges. With your continued support, we will secure an agreement worthy of your vote and consideration. Through your resolve and unity, that agreement is likely to come sooner rather than later.

In Unity,

Captain Joshua Allen
Negotiating Committee Chairman

Captain Jay Killen
Pilot Negotiator

Captain J.R. Lynch
Chief of Staff

Captain Jim Cole
Recording Analyst