May 15, 2025

Fellow Pilots,

Good evening, once again. In our last communication, we started a discussion about scope. You can read that original message and join the ongoing discussion here, and read a brief FAQ about scope here. In this second installment about scope, we want to share more information about scope language that is common across pilot contracts, and why we should be concerned about the prospect of outsourcing here at Allegiant.

Your Education Committee conducted a lengthy review of pilot contracts at airlines in our industry – including Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, and others. Most unionized pilots have scope language which protects pilots from companies setting up parallel “alter ego” airlines; they also typically have language which protects pilots from major transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, changes of control, and fragmentation of assets. First, the good news: your collective bargaining agreement with Allegiant also addresses these important topics.

Most pilot contracts also include scope language related to outsourcing. Most pilot contracts contain limitations on the total volume or share of flying which can be outsourced to other airlines. In contrast, paragraph 1.E.3 of our CBA with Allegiant simply says that “No Company Pilot…shall be involuntarily reduced in status or lose any income or employee benefits as a result of such wet lease or subcontracting.” You can see how this language may not entirely protect you from a situation where the company may decide to outsource future growth – and your work — to a third party.

Similarly, pilot CBAs typically include provisions related to joint ventures. For instance, the Alaska pilot CBA includes this language: “Joint Ventures are not permitted absent an agreement between the Company and the Association covering the terms and conditions under which Joint Venture flying will be performed, the balance or allocation of such flying between the Company and the foreign carrier, and any flying that will be performed by Pilots.” This language explicitly requires the company and the pilots to reach agreement about how much flying will be allocated and performed by the Alaska pilots.

As you know, our employer has entered into an agreement with Viva Aerobus, a Mexican airline. If this deal were to move forward, absent adequate scope protections, it is likely that a large share of the combined flying would be performed by Viva pilots, not by our association. This would have a very direct impact on your income and career expectations here at Allegiant. This would have especially grave consequences for first officers who would, as a result of outsourcing, be unlikely to upgrade to captain as quickly. As a union, we must stand together and prevent this outcome. We must obtain scope language which protects us from negative consequences from the deal with Viva. The urgency is clear and now is the time.

There are many other examples in the industry where pilots have been disadvantaged by inadequate scope protections. We encourage you to join the discussion online (APA Website Forum) and share your perspective with your fellow pilots.

If you are new to the subject of scope, and would like more information, please read the FAQ or reach out to the Education Committee or another union representative.

In Solidarity,

Your Education Committee

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