Trustee Update – March 21, 2024

Allegiant Air Pilots,

As I advised you on Tuesday, March 19, Local 2118 is now in trusteeship.  The entire Executive Council has been removed from their positions and the trusteeship is proceeding on course.

Many pilots have asked what a trusteeship means and what it will mean in the coming months.  At the most basic level, it means that a Temporary Trustee is responsible for the administration of the Local and protecting the interests of the Local Union and its members.  One of the Trustee’s critical responsibilities will be rebuilding and reforming the Local’s committees and creating an environment in which all members will have an opportunity to participate in the affairs of the Local without fear of pressure or reprisal.  It also means ensuring that the pilots will at long last have an amended collective bargaining agreement providing for increased wages, better work rules, and protection of seniority.

As you may know, bargaining sessions were scheduled to take place this week.  On Tuesday, after meeting with the Negotiating Committee, I implemented a plan for moving forward. The committee consists of rank-and-file members, a highly-regarded economist, and is joined by an attorney who is skilled in airline negotiations and crafting airline contract language. Consultant John Owens has been appointed as the Negotiating Committee’s chief spokesman.

Yesterday, March 20, I met first with the mediators from the NMB and then met with the Company leadership and consultants. In those meetings, I explained current events and our expectation that we reset and continue with a renewed focus. Following the initial meetings, the entire group met in a formal session to continue bargaining, during which time John Owens presented a plan to accomplish the negotiations reset and strengthen the focus and commitment needed by both sides to finish the task of securing an amended contract.  We are continuing negotiations today, and hope to update you on any progress by the week’s end.

In the coming weeks, you will receive notice of a hearing to address whether or not to continue the trusteeship.  You will be afforded a full opportunity to participate in this hearing and express your opinions.  I encourage everyone to participate.

Fraternally,

Greg Unterseher, Temporary Trustee
APA Teamsters Local 2118