Confessions of a Union Buster Series 1

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Pilots,
This is how union busting works—and how it’s being used against us today.

The Cravat Coal Story 

In 1983, union buster Martin Jay Levitt was hired to crush a union drive by the United Mine Workers at Cravat Coal. He didn’t win by being smarter or more honest. He won by manipulating workers, dividing them, and turning management into actors in a staged play.

Here’s how Levitt did it:

  • Use the Law Against Workers – Levitt bragged that the National Labor Relations Act, the very law designed to protect workers, could be used to drag unions through endless delays. By slowing everything down, he made workers think the union was powerless and ineffective.
  • Turn Supervisors into Weapons – He gathered foremen, dressed them in jeans to look “relatable,” then sent them out to spread anti-union propaganda. Those who pushed “vote no” got bonuses and perks.
  • Plant Doubt and Division – A few skeptics were all he needed to poison trust. Pro-union miners were harassed, ignored, and forced into conflict. Levitt then blamed the union for the very tension he created.
  • Rig Access to Workers – When the union was supposed to get worker contact info, Levitt tampered with it—giving only initials, leaving out addresses and zip codes. Then management claimed the union had violated privacy by asking for the list.
  • Twist Language – They never said “union members.” Levitt always used “union bosses” to make the union sound like just another layer of management. Meanwhile, the company painted itself as “humble and caring.”

The result? Workers were divided, fighting among themselves, and the company walked away with 298 out of 391 votes—another union campaign crushed.

Sound Familiar? 

Levitt’s playbook is alive and well at Allegiant:

  • Delay, Delay, Delay: Coming up on five years of negotiations, management still says we’re “far from a deal.” They refuse extra mediation sessions, then send emails blaming the Union for lack of progress. Classic stall tactic.
  • Blame the Union: In their August 29th communication, they smeared our comprehensive proposal as a “bankruptcy proposal.” This from the same company that burned nearly a billion dollars on Sunseeker. That’s the real bankruptcy move—not paying pilots industry-standard wages.
  • Manipulate Language: Management insists they’re “committed to a deal that works for everyone.” Yet they reject sessions, reject solutions, and reject progress. Their words don’t match their actions.
  • Sow Division: Just like Levitt used skeptical miners, Allegiant uses “mole” employees to spread doubt and weaken unity. They want us pointing fingers at each other instead of holding them accountable.

The Lesson for Allegiant Pilots 

Levitt admitted: “All we needed were a few skeptics to plant the suspicion among workers.”

That’s the game our management is playing. If they can divide us, they can defeat us.

But if we stand united—every pilot, one voice, one purpose—they cannot win.

We aren’t asking for anything unreasonable. We’re demanding what we’ve earned:

  • Industry-standard pay 
  • Industry-standard working conditions
  • Industry-standard respect

We will not be manipulated. We will not be divided. And we will not settle for less than what every professional pilot deserves.

Final Word 

Don’t fall for these textbook tactics. Levitt’s tricks only work if we let them. The company can stall, they can spin, they can smear—but they cannot stop a united pilot group that refuses to back down.

Stay focused. Stay united.
Ignore the noise. Trust the facts. 

 

In Unity,

Communications Committee
APA Local 2118

Communications Committee Update – September 11, 2025

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Fellow Pilots,

On September 4th, 2025, Allegiant finalized the sale of the Sunseeker Resort to Blackstone Inc. for $200 million. This project cost the airline over $1 billion. The so-called “Best in Class” Board of Directors and C-suite personnel recovered what was initially thought to be around 28¢ on the dollar—but that figure doesn’t include closing costs, according to the SEC filing.

In reality, what cost the airline more than $1 billion will now return less than 28¢ for every dollar spent. Even more disturbing: none of the proceeds will go toward pilots. Not toward your retention bonus, not toward your retroactive pay, and not toward your new contract. Per the terms of the senior secured note, these funds may only be used to pay down debt or for other general corporate purposes. After applying the less than $200 million toward Sunseeker’s debt, Allegiant Travel Company will still owe more than $300 million related to this failed venture.

Ask yourselves: What kind of management team awards itself millions in bonuses while furloughing pilots?

  • What would our daily operations look like if that billion dollars had been invested into the airline instead of the doomed Sunseeker project?
  • Would we already have a fair contract?
  • Would we be growing instead of stagnating?
  • Would management still be claiming pilots are “bankrupting” the company with a fair deal?

Our Executive Chairman and his handpicked board of directors have always loathed pilots.

“Going forward we and the industry will be paying more for the same product”. Maurice J Gallagher Jr. 2023 Letter to the Shareholders. 

The Board of Directors may see you as a “product” or a “part number,” but you are what makes this airline work. Without two pilots, this “travel company” won’t generate a dime of revenue. It’s time to hold them accountable—because the next “pet project” they chase could actually bankrupt the airline.

You’ll receive the Vote of No Confidence survey email on Friday. Please take 5 minutes to let management know we are not part numbers or product. This is your chance to let management know we do not have any confidence they can navigate the treacherous waters in which they have placed us in.

Q: What’s the purpose of a Vote of No Confidence? 

A: A Vote of No Confidence is a legitimate tool unions use to inform stakeholders that senior management has lost the support of those they are supposed to lead. In recent years, EasyJet, PSA, and Southwest have all issued VONCs to remove ineffective leadership.

EasyJet VONC
SouthWest VONC
PSA VONC

 

In Solidarity,

Captain Kevin Winter
Communications Committee

Communication Committee Update – September 6, 2025

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Brothers and Sisters,

We built this airline. A decade ago, most people had never even heard of Allegiant. Through our hard work and unity, we helped turn it into a recognizable name, an airline families rely on. That pride should have carried us forward. Instead, it has been squandered.

Mismanagement at the Top

Time after time, Allegiant executives chose to spend hundreds of millions on ill-advised side projects instead of investing in the airline. Over $1 billion was funneled into failed ventures like the Sunseeker Resort, which was then sold at a 70% loss, while those responsible for safeguarding the future of our airline left the controls unattended. The Sunseeker investment alone could have funded industry-standard pilot pay and working conditions for many years, yet our pilots are nearly 5 years into negotiations with no new contract.

Now, the same executives who grossly mismanaged our airline claim that they “can’t afford” a fair, industry-parity contract. Let’s be clear: Allegiant Pilots are among the worst paid in the industry, by a wide margin, while our company clearly has the ability to afford a new contract. The math simply doesn’t lie—but management and their excuses do.

“Bankruptcy” – The tired and lazy battle cry of inept managers

The company says our contract proposal would “bankrupt” them. That is beyond absurd.

If Allegiant truly cannot afford a fair contract while our pilots continue to deliver industry-leading performance and profits, then this management team has proven it is not competent nor worthy to lead this airline. Period.

Let’s not forget:

  • The same executives responsible for the billion dollar Sunseeker debacle still received millions in bonuses. Interestingly, there were no claims of “bankruptcy” then.
  • Allegiant took millions in taxpayer grants during COVID to keep the airline afloat and preserve jobs — and they still furloughed pilots anyway. Real leaders eat last.
  • They’ve enjoyed nearly 5 years of discounted pilot labor while wasting profits — even after the Union saved them from total operational collapse with the retention bonus. Enough is enough.
  • This is not about affordability. This is about priorities—and they have chosen everything but their most important asset — pilots. Without you, there are no flights, there are no ticket sales, there is no profit, there are no executive bonuses. Without your labor, this airline is completely grounded.

Vote of No Confidence – It Matters

We have seen enough mismanagement and abuse to know that a leadership change is necessary to save our airline. Our Vote of No Confidence (VONC) sends an undeniable message to the public:

  • We reject excuses
  • We reject a lack of accountability
  • We reject financial mismanagement
  • We reject substandard pay and working conditions

Given the current state of affairs, we must take the difficult but necessary step to do as our brothers and sisters at American Airlines and Southwest before us. VONC is an effective statement to the public that the same pilots who deliver industry-leading operational performance and profits demand accountability from the managers who benefit from our efforts.

Stand Together. Stand Strong. 

This is our moment to unite. Division is exactly what management wants—it buys them time. But together, as one, we cannot be ignored.

Brothers and Sisters, our actions from here on out are not just symbolic—it’s a declaration. A declaration that Allegiant pilots will not tolerate poor leadership. A statement to the public that we will no longer be taken advantage of. Our profession demands honesty, respect, and true leadership. The Board of Directors, CEO, and senior leaders of this airline have demonstrated a lack of all 3.

Management supports a Union decertification drive, yet the only ones who need to be “decertified” are the failed executives and directors blindly leading our airline off a cliff. Their time is up. Your voice and vote matters. Stay focused. Stay united. Ignore their fuzzy math. Trust the real facts.

In solidarity,

Captain Robert Skiles
Communications Committee Chairman
Teamsters Local 2118

Communication Committee Update – August 14, 2025

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Fellow Pilots,

As management flies around in fancy private jets to do “base visits”, while reminding you that they can’t afford a fair contract, we have a different message. Allegiant’s current management team has failed. Our pilots have lost all confidence in this management group to lead this airline and it’s time to take action. In recent history:

  • They destroyed 50% of our market value in just 6 months.
  • They lost over 70% on the Sunseeker Sale after spending nearly $1 billion dollars to build it and running it for less than 2 years.
  • The took over $150M in taxpayer assistance — then furloughed pilots anyway and granted millions in executive stock options.

These failures have already affected you as a pilot and it’s time for management to be held accountable for their words and actions. Their pattern of tone-deaf, ego-driven decisions that has repeatedly put the long-term health of our airline at risk and must come to an immediate end.

The facts are clear: whether we have a contract or not, these are not the people that should run this airline. This management team cannot lead this airline and, if left unchecked, will destroy the long-term stability of the Allegiant brand that we built.

While Allegiant management shamelessly promotes a decertification drive to destroy your Union, IBT General President Sean O’Brien has a different message “Enough is enough! We will decertify Allegiant management!”

A special message to Allegiant Air Pilots from IBT General President Sean O'Brien

You can watch the full video here:
Message from Sean O’Brien

In line with the directive from Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien, we must do what is necessary to ensure the long-term health of this airline. Local 2118 will conduct a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) in Allegiant’s current management team. This is a difficult but necessary step to ensure accountability and the future success of our airline. Allegiant pilots: we must protect the brand we built from being further damaged by arrogance, greed, and poor judgment.

We ask that you remain informed and participate over the next several days. You can visit our public facing website at decertifymanagement.com. Thank you for your continued engagement and support.

#decertifymanagement

 

In Unity,

Communications Committee

New Forum Category: Ask Your Union

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Allegiant Pilots,

We’re excited to introduce a new space on the APA2118 forum: Ask Your Union — a dedicated Q&A-style subcategory where pilots can submit direct questions to union leadership. This area is designed to offer timely, informative responses on topics such as negotiations, contract language, committee updates, and more.

As part of this update, the previous Leadership Questions category has been archived. We’ll be the first to admit that responses in the past haven’t always been as timely as they should have been — but that’s changing. New volunteer members have stepped up to join the Communications Committee, and Josh Martin, APA2118’s Communications Specialist, will be leading the effort to ensure your questions are reviewed and answered promptly and accurately.

We’re starting fresh to create a more focused, transparent, and responsive experience for all pilots.

Many of the previously unanswered questions were addressed during the recent podcast episode. However, if you feel your question wasn’t covered, feel free to resubmit on Ask Your Union.

Please note: this forum category is meant for straightforward Q&A — not ongoing discussion or debate. You post a question, and we provide an answer. This format helps keep the space organized, accessible, and valuable for everyone.

Prefer to ask privately? You’re always welcome to email us directly at: askyourunion@apa2118.org

Thanks for your continued engagement. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected union.

In Unity,

CA Robert Skiles
Chairman, Communications Committee

UNITY Podcast – Episode 1

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Brothers and Sisters,

As we continue through a critical phase in our journey toward a stronger contract and a better future for our pilot group, I want to take a moment to recognize an important truth: trust doesn’t come from titles or positions—it’s built through transparency, accountability, and honest conversations.

We’ve heard the questions. We’ve seen the concerns. And we understand that some of our fellow pilots have doubts about our direction, our leadership, and our union. Rather than dismiss those concerns, we want to address them openly.

That’s why we’re launching a new podcast series designed to provide straightforward updates and insight into where we are as a union and where we’re headed. In the first episode, I sit down with Trustee Greg Unterseher to ask the questions that many of you have been asking—questions that deserve honest answers.

UNITY Podcast Episode 1

This podcast isn’t about politics or posturing. It’s about clarity. It’s about communication. And it’s about making sure every pilot has the information needed to make informed decisions.

We may not always agree on every issue, but I believe we all want the same thing: a better contract, a stronger voice, and a more unified pilot group. If we can approach these discussions with respect, curiosity, and a shared commitment to the truth, I believe we can move forward—together.

Thank you for your continued professionalism, your feedback, and your willingness to engage.

In Solidarity,

CA Robert Skiles
Chairman, Communications Committee

UNITY: A Routine Update – July 15, 2025

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July 15, 2025

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Introducing the UNITY! A Routine Update
  • Fatigue Program Under Attack
  • Reducing Cockpit Distractions
  • Management Rejects Bonus Payout
  • Volunteers Needed

GENERAL UPDATES

Introducing Unity! A Routine Union Update

Welcome to the first installment Unity! Unity is a new, routine update series from Local 2118 that will be your regular source for select union business, committee updates, and timely need-to-know information to keep you informed and engaged. You can expect monthly updates on the business of Allegiant Air pilots on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, with plans to increase to a bi-weekly frequency on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays as the Communications Committee continues to expand.

Your input is crucial as we rebuild our Union with Allegiant Air pilots out front and center. If you have suggestions or any other feedback please reach out to Captain Rob Skiles, Communications Committee at rskiles@apa2118.org. Your input helps strengthen our communication and our unity.

Safety First: Defending the Fatigue Program

The Company has dramatically increased Section 18 investigatory meetings related to pilots calling out fatigue, with apparent intent to pursue discipline. They also appear to be circumventing the review procedures outlined in the Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP) manual. Let’s be clear: safety is our primary responsibility as pilots. Each pilot has an individual responsibility to manage their rest — but they also have a regulatory duty to determine our fitness for duty before each flight. The Colgan 3407 tragedy taught us a painful and important lesson: don’t fly fatigued. The fatigue program exists to ensure flight safety, not as a runway to management intimidation and punitive action.

The Union is on guard against management’s attempt to weaponize the fatigue program. No pilot should fear reprisal for appropriate use of the fatigue program. Your Union will defend every pilot’s right to make that call, when appropriate, without intimidation or arbitrary discipline. If you feel unfairly targeted or witness to any attempt to undermine safety, please file an ASAP report immediately and discuss the event with a Union representative immediately.

Safety First: Reducing Cockpit Distractions

We are continuing to see a rise in avoidable unfavorable situations and incidents, and pilots have raised concerns about repeated distractions on the flight deck. Management tone-deaf push to have pilots “continuously monitor” telephones and electronic devices seeks to add additional unnecessary distractions to critical pre-flight planning periods. What’s worse, management claims that these new distracting obligations are necessary to maintain operational control of a flight. Besides being a unilateral change to the status quo and a CBA violation, it presents an obvious safety risk.

Your preflight preparation time is not the Company’s inbox. The FAA is clear: operational control is strictly limited to the initiation, conduct, and termination of a flight. Allegiant management has no authority to increase the scope of operational control to fit their desire to keep you on a leash. Monitoring your phone for calls from your Regional Chief Pilot or Crew Services about flight assignments and random matters not related to your flight are clearly not within the scope of operational control.

Section 21 of our CBA gives Captains the final authority for safety — full stop. Use it, when necessary, to take command of your flight deck and limit non-operational distractions. This is your legal and contractual right — and it’s your duty. Please file an ASAP report immediately and notify your Union representative if you have safety related or contractual concerns.

Management Rejects Bonus Payout

Predictably, management has rejected the Union’s July 8th, 2025 demand that the accrued retention bonus monies be paid immediately as owed to our pilots. This is directly contrary to numerous documented statements, including from the Chief Pilot and the Chief Operating Officer, that they “would love to pay” the bonus immediately, but “the Union wouldn’t allow it.” Another glaring example of management’s outright dishonesty and bad faith dealings with the pilots that they claim to value.

Volunteers Needed: Rebuilding Our Union Together

The heartbeat of our union is volunteerism. Our strength comes from the active participation of pilots like you. We need talented individuals who are willing to volunteer their skills and time for positions within the union. If you have skills that you believe will benefit our Union, we ask you to reach out and help us rebuild. This is your opportunity to join the Allegiant Air pilots in helping to rebuild and strengthen our local union.  If you’re interested in getting involved, we have a short survey where you can sign up to volunteer for a committee.

Volunteer For A Committee

Committee Updates

Strategic Preparation Committee (SPC)

The SPC is here to successfully prepare our pilot group through a strike and back to work afterwards. We have been working this week on finishing the Strike Handbook. It has been completed for now and sent in for legal review. After any amendments we hope to get this out to the pilot group in the next couple weeks. Meanwhile we have been building up our infrastructure.

Each base now has its own SPC Base Captain who will be in charge of all SPC activities at each base. They are in the process of assigning SPC Base Reps to each and every pilot on the seniority list. Once this is done, these Reps will be trained and will start to reach out to you to introduce themselves. They will be your main point of contact for all things strike related.

We will then begin testing our processes we have built which will include mock strike calls and our ability to verify each of you. We are 107 strong at this time but still would like more volunteers from LAS and IWA.

We strongly believe you should have a trusted local pilot you can turn to in order to get information. If you believe the same and would like to help pilots in your base, please email spc@apa2118.org with your interest and we will contact you.

In Solidarity,

Captain Aaron Adrian
SPC Chairman

Negotiating Committee

The NC will be providing management with a comprehensive proposal this week. The company rejected the offer to meet in person to clarify any of their questions on the proposal. Please look for an update for more details regarding the comprehensive proposal and strategy moving forward.

We would also like to clear up some confusion about the last Retention Bonus update email. The communication regarding the Retention Bonus was mistakenly released as with an incorrect Negotiating Committee footer; there were multiple updates being worked on simultaneously and the communication was mislabeled. MOUs are ultimately the purview of Union leadership. Regardless, the Negotiating Committee fully supports the immediate payment of the Retention Bonus.

Thank you for your support while we fight for a contract worthy of this pilot group.

In Solidarity,

Captain Josh Allen
Negotiating Committee Chairman

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 15th, 2025 – Trustee Webinar

July 28th, 2025 – Mediation Session (Virtual)

2025 Q2 Newsletter – APA Local 2118

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Allegiant Pilots,

Welcome to the Q2 Committee Newsletter

Here’s a quick roundup of important updates from your Union committees. Thank you to every committee chair and volunteer who contributed this quarter. All committee updates can be found anytime on their respective pages at apa2118.org. If you or a fellow pilot need help accessing the website or Union Impact, please reach out to Josh Martin, Communications Specialist for APA Local 2118, at jmartin@apa2118.org.

Updates

  • BYLAWS
  • CIRP
  • Communications
  • FOQA
  • HIMS
  • Hotel
  • Jumpseat
  • Payroll
  • Professional Standards
  • Scheduling
  • Stewards
  • Strategic Preparedness Committee

Additional Updates

  • APA2118 Website & App – Improvements Underway
  • Want To Get Involved – Join a Committee
  • Withdrawal Card Request – Know Your Options

BYLAWS Committee Update

The bylaws committee has been adding further revisions to our draft and fine tuning some suggestions that were made by our members who participated in the zoom and the survey.

We are now up to our 14th revision and counting! Thank you to all those who take the time to participate in making this union their own! We have heard feedback for language in the bylaws addressing dues on bonuses, and are working to get something written in that is clear and agreeable, revision 15 here we come!

As soon as we have a solid draft ready and approved by international, we will send it out along with a feedback survey, and hopefully a ballot shortly thereafter. Please keep an eye out for the survey, your participation is key!

CIRP Committee Update

Life doesn’t stop at the flight deck. From stress and family challenges to major incidents, the CIRP/Peer2Peer team is here to support you — confidentially, compassionately, and as fellow pilots who understand. This quarter’s update introduces your peer team and how to connect before a crisis.

Visit CIRP Committee

Communications Committee Update

Captain Robert Skiles steps into the role of Communications Committee Chairman with a message of service, leadership, and accountability. Meet the team and learn how you can get involved.

Visit Communications Committee

FOQA Committee Update

Operational discipline is under the spotlight. This quarter’s FOQA insights dive into recent automation mishaps, configuration missteps, and growing concerns around stabilized approaches. A must-read reminder on staying sharp, accountable, and fully aware.

Visit FOQA Committee

HIMS Committee Update

The HIMS Committee continues to expand its impact, offering unwavering support to pilots and their families through trusted advocacy and proven recovery resources. Our collaborative efforts with the Company reflect a shared commitment to strengthening and safeguarding the HIMS Program. If you or someone close to you is facing challenges with substance use or alcoholism, please remember—you are not alone. Help is always available.

Visit HIMS Committee

Hotel Committee Update

Hotels aren’t just a place to sleep — they’re part of your safety net. This quarter’s Hotel Committee update outlines key wins, persistent issues, and what’s being done to improve your rest and recovery during layovers.

Visit Hotel Committee

Jumpseat Committee Update

Jumpseat access is a privilege — and a responsibility. With security incidents on the rise and recent policy questions surfacing, this update addresses identification checks, jumpseating while on leave, and who handles your non-rev issues.

Visit Jumpseat Committee

Payroll Committee Update

Payroll confusion? You’re not alone. This quarter we break down common JIRA misunderstandings, DTG rules, and the truth about ADD Days. If pay issues stress you out, this one’s for you.

Visit Payroll Committee

Professional Standards Committee Update

Professionalism matters — especially now. As contract negotiations heat up, it’s more important than ever to stay cool under pressure. The Professional Standards team shares a timely reminder about integrity, peer support, and reaching out before things boil over.

Visit Professional Standards Committee

Scheduling Committee Update

Your Scheduling Committee—currently staffed by just two dedicated SFB-based Captains—is working diligently to address concerns across the entire pilot group. To help them assist you more efficiently, please include your name, base, seat, employee number, and a phone number in any inquiry.

The Committee is also seeking additional volunteers to support the growing workload. If you’re interested in helping, now is a great time to get involved.

Visit Scheduling Committee

Union Stewards: Here to Support You

Your Union Steward Team remains your go-to resource for contractual questions, policy clarification, and disciplinary representation. As a reminder, be sure to keep your medical certificate current and uploaded, and always log aircraft discrepancies accurately. Staying proactive helps avoid preventable issues and ensures you remain protected.

Visit Stewards Committee

Strategic Preparedness Committee

Thank you to all the pilots who submitted questions—your input has been compiled into the Strike Preparation Handbook, now in its final stages. Your SPC base representatives will be informed, equipped, and ready to support you.

Despite our efforts, management refuses to provide a deal that values our contributions. Our patience has run out. In the coming days, we will release the Allegiant Pilots Strike Preparation Handbook, outlining key details should legal self-help become necessary.

Want to get involved or help support strike prep efforts? Reach out to SPC@apa2118.org.

Visit Strategic Preparedness Committee

Website & App Update – Improvements Underway

We’re actively working to improve the APA Local 2118 website and mobile app. After experiencing persistent support issues and a period of website downtime, we’ve made the decision to transition development to Saritasa—a proven technology solutions company that prioritizes intention, value, and trust. With over 1,700 successful projects completed, they bring the expertise and professionalism this project requires. We now have a dedicated project manager, weekly status meetings, and clear development timelines in place.

Pilots will notice the difference—our goal is to deliver a more reliable, user-friendly platform that meets your needs. This transition also includes regaining full ownership and control of our digital infrastructure. We’re currently setting up official Apple and Google developer accounts so the mobile app will be managed directly under APA Local 2118. These long-overdue improvements are underway, and we appreciate your continued patience and support as we work to deliver the digital experience our members deserve.

Want To Get Involved? – Join a Committee!

Our Union’s strength is built on the dedication of volunteers. If you’re passionate about protecting and improving the lives of your fellow pilots, we’d love to have you on board. Whether it’s communications, safety, scheduling, or any of our other committees — there’s a place for you. The work is important, often rewarding, and helps keep our pilot group informed, unified, and prepared. Reach out today and see where you can make a difference.

Committee Volunteer Signup

Withdrawal Card Request – Know Your Options

If you’re taking a Leave of Absence (LOA, PLOA, FMLA, CLOA, Furlough, or Medical), you’re responsible for notifying the Local of your status change.

You can either:

  • Remain an active member by continuing minimum dues payments, OR
  • Request a withdrawal card (inactive status), which pauses dues and suspends member privileges while you’re out.

To request a withdrawal card or learn more about your options, click below to complete the form:

Withdrawal Card Request Form

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this quarter’s newsletter. Your input helps ensure our members stay informed.

If your committee did not have a chance to submit an update for this edition, it’s not too late—please send it to Josh Martin, Communications Specialist for APA Local 2118. We’ll make sure it’s added to your committee’s page and shared with the pilots. We’re committed to building a stronger, more unified pilot group through consistent communication.

Unity is Our Strength,
APA Teamsters Local 2118

2025 Q2 Communications Committee Update

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Communications Committee Update

Fellow Pilots,

My name is Captain Robert Skiles, currently based in VPS. This September will mark ten years with Allegiant, and I’m proud to share that I’ve recently stepped into the role of Communications Committee Chairman. It’s a privilege to serve in this capacity, and I’m committed to representing our pilots as we continue pushing for the contract we’ve earned and deserve.

I’ve chosen to make Allegiant my long-term home, and with that comes a responsibility I take seriously: to leave this airline better than I found it.

I’m also pleased to welcome Captain Kevin Winter to the Communications Committee. I’m grateful for his willingness to step forward and contribute his time and talent to this important work. His involvement strengthens our efforts, and I look forward to the positive impact he’ll bring.

There’s still a great deal of work ahead. We need leaders—those with the courage and commitment to step into the arena and advocate for what’s right. If you’re ready to be part of that fight, I encourage you to reach out.

In Solidarity,
Captain Robert Skiles
Communications Committee

Communications Committee Update – July 9, 2025

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Fellow Pilots,

Allegiant just sold off what they once called the “future of our airline” — Sunseeker Resort — for less than 28 cents on the dollar. The same project our former CEO, John Redmond, pushed so aggressively, netting himself millions in bonuses before a single room was booked. And now, after driving this company into a $520 million loss, management wants to blame us for stalled contract negotiations.

In a recent message, Bill Fishburn claimed he “hopes” the Union shows up prepared for bargaining. Let’s be clear: that comment isn’t just out of touch — it’s insulting to every pilot who’s kept this airline running despite poor leadership and worsening conditions.

So let’s ask the real question: Who’s actually prepared for bargaining?

• A Union team backed by data, market analysis, and your priorities as professional aviators, or…

• A management team that’s hemorrhaging cash, offering concessionary proposals, and refusing to recognize basic industry standards?

Let’s not forget: management’s strategy has never been rooted in reality. In 2022, management blamed the Union for rejecting a Frontier + 3% offer — a deal that would’ve left Allegiant pilots more than $100,000 below our peers. They never mention that their “comprehensive” proposals are consistently out of step with the market — or reality.

In June 2024, they wasted three full days of in-person talks with another recycled, subpar proposal — one that ignored nearly every issue we’ve brought to the table. This pattern of stalling, deflecting, and disrespecting the pilot group is exactly why we are where we are.

Let’s also talk about safety. Contract fatigue is now operational fatigue. Pilots are being pressured to fly tired, and management has weaponized safety programs to maintain control. We’ve seen frontline managers push crews to operate aircraft despite legitimate concerns. This is not a sustainable culture — it’s a dangerous one. And it reeks of the same “profits-over-safety” mindset we saw at ValuJet, a company that was eerily well-represented by some members of Allegiant’s current board.

Bill Fishburn, we know exactly what this is: an attempt to fix your leadership’s financial mess on the backs of Allegiant pilots. It won’t work. We will not trade away safety, security, or the future of this profession — not for spin, not for fear, and certainly not for the same leadership team that’s already shown us where their priorities lie.

Stay focused. Stay united.
Ignore the noise. Trust the facts.

In solidarity,

Captain Robert Skiles
Communications Committee
APA Teamsters Local 2118