Allegiant Pilots Local 2118 Prepare for Vote of No Confidence in Management

/by

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The pilots of Allegiant Air (NASDAQ: ALGT), represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 2118, announced today that they are preparing to hold a formal Vote of No Confidence in Allegiant’s current management team and its Board of Directors. The decision comes after years of repeated failures, poor strategic decisions, and reckless spending by company leadership — actions that pilots say threaten the long-term health and stability of the airline, regardless of the outcome of ongoing contract negotiations.

“Contract or not, [Maury] Gallagher and [Greg] Anderson’s management team have proven that they don’t have what it takes to lead an airline,” said Captain Kevn Winter on behalf of Local 2118. “The last several years have been failure after embarrassing failure. If pilots had even 1% of this level of failure in the flight deck, our careers would be over. It is time for management to be held accountable.”

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien delivered a direct assessment of Allegiant’s leadership culture: “[Allegiant] management culture is toxic. It is fueled by arrogance and protected by yes men and women who could never do the pilots’ job.”

Most recently, Allegiant’s leadership has presided over a 50% collapse in the company’s market value in just six months, a $500 million loss on the failed Sunseeker Resort project, the shutdown of its GMS Racing NASCAR team, and millions wasted on unrelated ventures such as the “Allegiant Nonstop” entertainment centers. Pilots say these failures, combined with tone-deaf public relations and lavish executive perks, have eroded trust and jeopardized the airline’s future.

“We are doing this to protect the airline and the Allegiant brand that we built,” said Captain Tyler Heavey. “This management team seems ready to destroy what we’ve built because of ego and greed.”

One pilot pointed to the company’s recent base visits in private jets as the latest sign of misplaced priorities:

“Flying fancy private jets around the country to meet with pilots — just to tell them that you ‘can’t afford’ a new contract is a level of tone-deaf arrogance the industry hasn’t seen since Frank Lorenzo’s Eastern Airlines disaster in the 1990s.

“A no confidence vote is not something any Union takes lightly,” said Greg Unterseher, Trustee of Local 2118. “The pilots believe a change is necessary in the best interest of the airline, its employees, its customers, and its shareholders.” The Teamsters emphasize that the upcoming Vote of No Confidence is about more than contract talks — it is a call for new leadership and stronger corporate governance capable of ensuring the airline’s long-term stability, safety, and success.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Josh Martin, (725) 308-2755
jmartin@apa2118.org

Communication Committee Update – August 14, 2025

/by

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

UNITY Podcast – Episode 2

/by

Dear Local 2118 Members,

I recently had the privilege of sitting down for my second podcast with our Negotiating Committee. Over the course of the discussion, I asked many of the questions that have been circulating among our pilot group — gathered from the chat boards, conversations, and direct polling.

This conversation reminded me just how much dedication and skill this committee brings to the table. Negotiating on behalf of our group is often a thankless job, yet they approach it with professionalism, unity, and a shared vision. In fact, during our discussion, it was clear how seamlessly they work together — often finishing each other’s thoughts — and how committed they are to securing the best possible contract for all of us.

This podcast gave me confidence that we have the right team representing us in negotiations. But their success depends on our solidarity. We must stand behind them, speak with one voice, and remain united in our shared goals.

UNITY Podcast Episode 2

I encourage you to listen to the full conversation linked above and hear directly from the team working tirelessly on our behalf.

In Unity,

Captain Rob Skiles
Chairman, Communications Committee
Local 2118, Teamsters

Negotiating Committee Update – August 5, 2025

/by

Fellow Pilots,

The Negotiating Committee met with the company and Mediator yesterday in order to discuss the Union’s July 16th, 2025 comprehensive proposal. The company asked questions on the remaining sections of the Union’s proposal that were not answered in our July 28th session. We look forward to receiving a counter proposal and hope that the company takes this opportunity to move us closer to an agreement. Once the NC has received a counter proposal, we will review it and provide feedback to the pilots on where we stand in relation to completing a full tentative agreement.

The parties also discussed dates for upcoming mediation sessions. Our next scheduled session with the mediator is on August 25, 28 and 29 followed by the week of September 22. The mediator also offered tentative dates for October which both the Company and the Union confirmed and are waiting for final approval by the mediator. The NC encourages the company to provide a counter proposal BEFORE the next mediation session in order to be more efficient in our limited time with the mediator. We have also let the company know that the NC will make ourselves available to meet outside of mediation should the company choose to do so.

We will provide an update as more information becomes available.

In Unity,

Captain Joshua Allen
Negotiating Committee Chairman

Captain Jay Killen
Pilot Negotiator

Captain Brad Keller
Pilot Negotiator

Captain J.R. Lynch
NC Chief of Staff

Captain Jim Cole
Recording Analyst

The Path to Self-Governance | GU Wants to GO!

/by

Fellow Pilots,

When APA Local 2118 entered emergency trusteeship, many of you rightfully asked: How do we get back to self-governance?

Friday, July 25, 2025, marked a critical step forward. Bylaws ballots were mailed to every member in good standing. These proposed bylaws form the foundation for our return to a fully functioning, self-governed local.

This is our union. This is our opportunity. This is our time.

Please read the proposed bylaws carefully and follow the voting instructions included with your ballot. All ballots must be received by 10:30 AM on August 25, 2025. 

If you have any questions, Captains Dean Rogers and Kevin Leach will be hosting Zoom Q&A sessions today, Tuesday, August 5, and tomorrow, Wednesday, August 6. Can’t make it? Email the Bylaws Committee at bylawscommittee@apa2118.org.

Why This Vote Matters

Passing the bylaws is the first and most essential step toward restoring full self-governance. Once approved, we can begin moving forward:

  • Slates for local leadership can be announced, and elections held.
  • Elected officers will begin assuming their roles.
  • We’ll start operating as a local under Trustee Greg Unterseher’s oversight.
  • Once Local 2118 is operating in full compliance with IBT policy, with adopted bylaws, policies, procedures and compliant recordkeeping Greg will submit a formal recommendation to the General President to release the Local from trusteeship.

Greg has expressed confidence this transition can be completed by the end of the year — but only if we act now, together.

Podcast clip: Greg Unterseher on the steps to self-governance.

Click Here for Podcast Clip

Your Vote Is Your Voice

At our last bylaws vote, more than half of eligible pilots didn’t vote. 

That’s not how change happens.

Let’s change that.
Let’s show we’re ready.
Let’s reclaim our union and shape our future.

Take five minutes. Cast your vote. Encourage your fellow pilots to do the same. 

A heartfelt thank you to Captains Dean Rogers and Kevin Leach for their leadership and tireless work. Your efforts have brought us one step closer to managing our own destiny.

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate. UNIFY.

In Solidarity,

APA 2118 Communications Committee

New Forum Category: Ask Your Union

/by

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

Forms Page Updated: Check Out the Latest Resources

/by

Allegiant Pilots,

The forms page has had some updates, most recently you will now find a new APA 2118 Travel Request Form. This PDF once downloaded can easily be filled in and submitted. Below is a list of the available forms and their format.

  • Expense Report Form (available in Excel & PDF formats)
  • Mileage Reimbursement Form (available in Excel & PDF formats)
  • Lost Time Wages Form (available in Excel)
  • APA2118 Travel Request Form (available in PDF – download with easy fill-in fields)
  • Withdrawal Card Request (available as an online form)

You can access all forms from the updated Forms page on the APA2118 website.

In Unity,

APA Teamsters Local 2118

Regional Q&A Zoom Meetings – APA 2118 Bylaws

/by

Fellow Allegiant Pilots,

Greetings from your bylaws committee. We are writing to announce that we will be holding several informational and Q&A meetings this coming week to help insure that everyone has all the information they need to make an educated vote in the upcoming bylaws referendum. The hope is that by having several smaller meetings with bases grouped generally by region that more pilots will have the chance to speak and have their views and questions heard and answered. It also allows us to set up more convenient times for the zoom meetings as we can group respective time zones of bases together. Of course any pilot from any base is welcome to join any meeting they like. The information we disseminate will be the same, only the Q&A portion will differ.

 

The groups and meeting times will be as follows:

 

Tuesday, August 5th – 6:30 PM EST
REGIONAL BYLAWS Q&A – THE SOUTH
AVL, BNA, FLL, PGD, PIE, SAV, SFB, TYS, VPS

Tuesday, August 5th – 8:00 PM EST
REGIONAL BYLAWS Q&A – THE WEST
BLI, IWA, LAS, LAX, PVU

Wednesday, August 6th – 6:00 PM EST
REGIONAL BYLAWS Q&A – THE NORTH
ABE, ATW, CVG, DSM, FNT, GRR, IND, PIT

 

In solidarity,

Dean Rodgers
ATW Captain – Bylaws Committee

Kevin Leach
PGD Captain – Bylaws Committee

APA Teamsters Local 2118

SPC Update: Allegiant Pilot Strike Handbook

/by

Fellow Pilots,

Today, we are sharing the Allegiant Pilot Strike Handbook—a critical tool in preparing for what we hope never comes, but must always be ready for: a strike.

We know how frustrating this process has been. Four years post-amendable, while inflation surges and the company takes massive, self-induced financial hits, management continues to exploit every tool under the Railway Labor Act to stall negotiations. This is not incompetence—it is strategy. They aim to exhaust you, divide us, and pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

But it’s not working.

You have shown up—day in and day out—flying safely and professionally, despite being the lowest paid pilots in the industry. You have worn your Teamsters lanyards, badge backers, and “Ready to Strike” bag tags with pride. By doing this, you show us we are brothers and sisters in this fight together without ever saying a word. You haven’t bought into the false promises or the divisive tactics. You’ve stood together. That unity is our greatest weapon.

Make no mistake: a credible strike threat is the only thing that moves negotiations forward. And credibility requires preparation and unity. The handbook, along with the previously released Families and Finances document, contains everything you need to be ready—both personally and professionally. Review it carefully. Know it. Keep it close.

The SPC’s job is to ensure we are ready if management pushes us to the brink. To be clear, we don’t want to strike—but if we must, we will be ready.

Your SPC team includes over 120 volunteers from every base in the system. Most of you have been assigned a Primary and Alternate SPC Rep from your base—your local point of contact for all strike-related questions. If you have not heard from them yet, you will soon.

Call for help

Candidly, LAS and IWA remain understaffed and pilots in those bases are not assigned Reps as of yet. If we absolutely must, we will assign your Reps from bases where we have extra volunteers. That’s our least preferred option. We need you. We believe your SPC rep should be someone you know and trust—not a stranger from across the country. If you’re willing to stand up and help lead your base through this critical phase, email us at spc@apa2118.org.

Do not wither and fear the fight. Together, we will not be broken. Together, we will win. Stand with us.

Family & Finances Information

APA 2118 STRIKE HANDBOOK

You must be logged in to access the docs. If you need help with your login, please contact jmartin@apa2118.org for assistance.

 

In Unity,

Captain Aaron Adrian
Strike Preparedness Committee Chairman
Teamsters Local 2118

Negotiating Committee Update – July 28, 2025

/by

Fellow Pilots,

Today the Union and the Company met with the NMB Mediator to review and discuss the Union’s July 16th, 2025, comprehensive proposal. The Union answered all the Company’s preliminary and section specific questions at the meeting. An additional mediation session was scheduled for August 4. We look forward to answering any remaining questions at the August 4th session followed by negotiations over open items to achieve a complete tentative agreement.

The parties will also reconvene for mediation on August 25, 28 and 29. The mediator is also working with the parties to schedule September dates.

We will provide you with an update following the August 4 mediation session.

 

In Unity,

Captain Joshua Allen
Negotiating Committee Chairman

Captain Jay Killen
Pilot Negotiator

Captain Brad Keller
Pilot Negotiator

Captain J.R. Lynch
NC Chief of Staff

Captain Jim Cole
Recording Analyst