Allegiant Air Teamsters to Vote on Strike Authorization

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Pilots Forced into Action as Management Insists on Substandard Contract

Allegiant Picket 10/25/24

Press Contact: Shane McCarthy Phone: (202) 624-6912 Email: smccarthy@teamster.org

(LAS VEGAS) – On Friday, October 25, Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 will start to vote on a nationwide strike authorization. Allegiant Air has forced its pilots to take this action by linking long-overdue compensation improvements to concessions on pilot scheduling and quality of life.

“It is outrageous that Allegiant is trying to get us to make these scheduling concessions to pay for wage increases,” said Captain Scott Whitman, a twenty-year captain at Allegiant. “This is one of the most profitable major airlines in America. Its executives boast all the time about how they consistently outperform the industry. Allegiant doesn’t need concessions – it needs pilots. But corporate greed will drive us away unless something changes quickly.”

Union and company negotiators have been exchanging proposals over pilot schedules and other quality of life issues since June. Management is trying to sidestep its pilots concerns about scheduling. Local 2118 has refused to give in to company requests, telling Allegiant’s negotiators that pilot working conditions aren’t for sale.

“Allegiant has said that its business model is ‘wildly successful’ as morale plummets and anger continues to grow among pilots,” said Aaron Adrian, a seven-year captain at Allegiant. “Management needs to hear its pilots loud and clear – we will not support Allegiant’s model if it requires substandard working conditions or pays worse than our airline peers.”

The federal National Mediation Board is currently conducting mediation efforts. Under the Railway Labor Act, the Teamsters can request a release from the National Mediation Board, which could lead to a 30-day cooling-off period, followed by a work stoppage without notice to management or passengers.

Teamsters Local 2118 represents 1,300 hardworking Allegiant Air pilots nationwide. For more information, go to apa2118.org

Allegiant Air Pilots Rally for Strong Contract as Strike Threat Looms

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Teamsters Pilots Hold Practice Picket in Wisconsin, Nationwide Actions to Come

10/18/2024 Picket

Press Contact: Daniel Moskowitz Phone: (770) 262-4971 Email: dmoskowitz@teamster.org

(LAS VEGAS) – Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 took part in a practice picket outside Appleton International Airport today to demand a fair contract as the company pushes them closer to a nationwide strike. The Teamsters and Allegiant Air are currently in negotiations over a new agreement, but the carrier is refusing to make reasonable offers to its pilots who are seeking a wage increase for the first time in eight years.

“Allegiant’s days of exploiting pilots are over. Our members won’t compromise their safety or quality of life,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “If Allegiant wants to succeed, they must invest in their pilots. The full weight of the 1.3 million-member Teamsters Union is behind these pilots. We won’t stop fighting until our members get the contract they’ve earned.”

Since Allegiant Air pilots ratified their contract in 2016, other major airlines have significantly improved the pay, benefits, and working conditions for pilots. Allegiant Air Teamsters are demanding the airline get serious about negotiations and come to terms on an agreement that benefits workers and the flying public. The practice picket is the first step in what could be escalating action at the carrier.

“If Allegiant wants to avoid a serious labor dispute, they need to get real and recognize we won’t compromise on getting the improved working conditions and increased pay we deserve,” said Allegiant Air Captain Aaron Michael Adrian.

Negotiators have exchanged proposals over pilot schedules and other quality of life issues since June, but the airline is refusing to get serious in negotiations even as its parent company, Allegiant Travel Company, pours its profits into Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor—a failed hotel that has torched tens of millions of dollars.

A federal mediator from the National Mediation Board has been assigned to the negotiations, which are set to resume in Chicago on Tuesday, October 22.

Teamsters Local 2118 represents hardworking 1,300 Allegiant Air pilots nationwide. For more information, go to apa2118.org.