Negotiating Update (9/9/2024)
Fellow Pilots,
September 3rd-5th Mediation Sessions
As you know, we recently concluded another round of mediation in Las Vegas. We made material progress on key issues in Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the contract. But mere progress is obviously not our final goal – agreements are. Your Negotiating Committee’s goal is to reach agreements, as soon as possible, on the improvements and protections that are necessary in these sections. If you hear anyone suggest we’ve been “negotiating these sections forever,” some context should be helpful.
This Negotiating Committee has only been negotiating these three sections since June. It wasn’t until the last two in-person sessions in Columbus and Las Vegas respectively that we saw real engagement on the issues from the other side of the bargaining table, as detailed extensively in our previous updates. Recently, the parties were able to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time and narrowed down the issues in dispute. Much can be accomplished in a short amount of time when both parties are committed to bargaining effectively. We hope that the company’s recent efforts will continue into our next sessions; your Negotiating Committee is committed to doing the same.
Additional Mediation Dates and Immediate Focus
The Union, company and mediator conferred over additional mediation dates for September and October and expect to finalize the schedule soon. This adds to the mediation dates previously scheduled. We will announce the new dates when they are confirmed. We are also available to meet with the company virtually before mediation to negotiate Sections 14, 15, 16, and the PBS LOA. These three sections are the most operationally complex and generally the most difficult sections to complete in RLA bargaining. This is true at every carrier, not just Allegiant. Meetings and bargaining – and real engagement across the table – as frequently as possible are key to completing these sections in the shortest time possible.
Pilot Support is Critical
It should go without saying that your solidarity and continued support is critical to this process. We cannot complete a contract without your unity and resolve. We understand that for some members this process is frustrating, especially for those who are new to the RLA bargaining environment. The United State Supreme Court has described the RLA bargaining process as “almost interminable” by design. Translation – the process is supposed to wear you down, so you give in. Cliche, but true: the most successful pilot groups are those that stand together, despite the challenges, and demand a fair contract that represents their value to the organization. Don’t stop until you achieve one. Allegiant Pilots = Allegiant Profits. You are the most critical work group in this organization, it’s time for management to agree to a new, fair contract that reflects that fact. Ignore the noise. Stay the course. Your support will get us across the finish line.
Thank you for your continued support throughout this challenging process. Your Negotiating Committee is committed to securing a fair agreement worthy of your vote and will take all necessary steps to achieve this as soon as possible.
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