Strike Preparation Update – What Every Allegiant Pilot Needs to Know

Update From Your Strategic Preparedness Committee

October 3, 2025/by Joshua Martin

Allegiant Pilots,

As we head into another demanding holiday season, let’s pause to reflect on what we have carried on our shoulders. Through the turbulence of this industry, we—Allegiant pilots—have remained the steady hands keeping this airline in the air. Yet, despite our professionalism and dedication, we continue to work under a contract that fails to reflect our true value in today’s market.

We have now reached a turning point. Allegiant can no longer delay the inevitable. They are out of excuses, and time has run out. We gave this company every opportunity to do right by its pilots. Instead, management chose the path of RLA delay tactics, union-busting propaganda, and the same tired playbook designed to secure the cheapest labor possible. They underestimated us. They assumed we would cave. They were wrong.

The Vote of No Confidence results make one thing undeniable: Allegiant pilots no longer trust management or the board of directors. Despite our sacrifice and professionalism, they have failed us. Period. They have gambled with our careers, our families, and our future. Now is the time to demand accountability.

Management has suggested they want to “reset” this broken relationship. But let’s be clear—the root cause has never changed. The only path to repairing this relationship is delivering what this pilot group has earned and deserves: an industry-standard contract that reflects our worth in today’s market. Nothing less will suffice. Equally important, this management team must end its toxic behavior toward pilots, learn to show genuine respect, and treat us as the professionals we are.

We know our value. We have been more than patient. And now—our patience has run out.

In the weeks ahead, our national campaign will accelerate, bringing our fight into the spotlight of our industry and the financial markets. The Strike Preparedness Committee will continue supporting our Negotiating Committee with one objective: to secure a contract by year’s end that honors the sacrifice and skill of every Allegiant pilot.

This is our contract. This is our career. This is our time.

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

Together, we will win what we have long deserved.

In Unity,

SPC Leadership Team
APA Local 2118

Benefits & Compensation Committee – Families & Finances Update

April 16, 2025/by Joshua Martin

Families and Finances

Our greatest power as a union is our ability to stand together as one. It is our superpower. The more prepared we are for a strike, the more likely we will not have to endure one. Our families play a vital role in this preparation. History has shown pressure from spouses (even if well intentioned) has been a major cause of crossing a picket line. On the other hand, if our families understand what we are fighting for and why, they can be the rock we lean upon during this difficult time. During a strike, expect to get a call from a manager offering incentives such as triple pay and permanent front-page seniority to cross the picket line. Supportive families can make this decision easy and not tempt us to ruin the rest of our career while stabbing our brothers and sisters in the back.

How do we do it?

Let them read/see communications from the Union (such as this guide)
Explain the RLA to include what we can/cannot do and how we achieve gains
Show them what our peers get and what we are fighting for
Prepare them for company propaganda to discredit our union and negotiating committee such as direct negotiating, scare tactics, and attempts to divide us
Ask them for help, both psychologically and
Galvanize your family to come up with ideas around your household tighten your belt financially

Teamsters Benefits Health Insurance

Because we are on Teamcare, your health insurance, dental, will remain intact for you and your eligibles during a strike.
Teamcare premiums will be waived for the duration of the You will still be responsible for co-pays / deductibles.
For any pilot selfish enough to cross the picket line, Teamcare will not accept premium payment from the company and thus you and your eligibles will lose all insurance coverage.

IBT Strike Fund

$300 + million dollar fund used to pay weekly strike benefits to members in good standing during a legally called strike.
Members in good standing will get weekly strike benefit
Formula: Hourly Rate on date of strike x 70 x 56% x 5.
12 year CA = 232 x 70 x .0156 x 5 = $1,266.72 per week
2 year FO = 07 x 70 x .0156 x 5 = $562.76 per week
This is not meant to replace your total income or absolve you of your duty to save and prepare, but to hopefully cover some critical expenses.

Expenses

Your family should strive to have 6 months’ worth of expenses saved up for a possible strike. History has shown that airline strikes are very rare. They are rare because they are incredibly expensive. For negotiations that carry on this far, most deals finalize during the 30-day cooling off period. The most likely reason Allegiant will take it that far is if they believe the pilots are not ready and hope they can break the union by getting pilots to cross the picket line. If we show them there is no chance of that, more than likely, they will not take it that far just to lose money. For this reason, the more prepared we are for a strike, the less likely we will have to endure one.

Create a budget

Although a great idea to do anytime, it is imperative to do in preparation for a strike. We all have money that leaks out of our accounts each month. Go through the last year’s worth of credit card, bank account, Venmo, and PayPal statements and see where your money is going. An incredible amount of money syphons out each month on things such as subscriptions, eating out, convenience stores, clothes shopping, and entertainment.

Don’t forget one-time large bills that happen throughout the year such as insurance or property taxes. Now work with your families to find areas you can reduce spending both right now and in the event of a strike. Find out the minimum amount of money you can live on each month. If you don’t currently have 6-months of those expenses saved up today, reduce spending now to build that stockpile. If you do have 6-months saved up, prepare to reduce spending in the event of a strike.

Look though a year’s worth of statements and find where you spend your money
Remember one-time payments such as insurance or property taxes
Work with your families to come up with ways to reduce spending
Be aware of impulse spending and perhaps combat that by making a shopping list and only purchasing those things
Delay, if possible, significant purchases such as new cars or vacations
Try to save up 6 months’ worth of expenses

Sources of Money / Reduce Expenses

We already spoke above about Teamsters benefits such as strike pay and free Teamcare insurance that will help during a strike. For those who own a home and have equity in that home, consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Most banks and credit unions offer this up to 80% of your home’s equity for a small closing cost ($250-$600). This is essentially a line of credit to use if needed. If you don’t withdraw any money, you owe nothing. If you do withdraw money, usually you are required to pay only interest on that money for the first 10 years. Apply for this now, while you are actively working as most banks will not approve the credit if you wait to apply after you have gone on strike.

Consider reducing your 401k contributions now to save money. Depending on timing, it may be possible to recover company matching contributions later. If we are on strike, contact lenders for various loans as they may have short term deferral policies that you can take advantage of. If you have a 401k loan, contact Fidelity to arrange continued payments while we are on strike. If you don’t, your loan may be considered an early withdrawal and subject to taxes and penalties. Consider opening and transferring credit card balances to a credit card with union strike benefits. Finally, consider contacting

family to request short term financial backing. Don’t let pride force you into a bad decision that ruins the rest of your career.

Teamsters Strike Fund Weekly Payments
Teamcare Health Insurance free premiums
Consider a HELOC and apply now, while you are still
Reduce 401k contributions now to build up your Depending on timing, you can still get the company contributions later (email benefits@apa2118.org for details).
You will not be eligible for unemployment benefits
Contact lenders to take advantage of any short-term delay policies
Contact Fidelity if you have 401k loan to arrange payments
Lean on your family support network for short term assistance

The more prepared we are, the stronger we are, and the less likely we will need it. The time to prepare is now.

Strategic Preparedness Committee – Strike Prep Update

April 16, 2025/by Joshua Martin

Fellow Allegiant Pilots:

The Strategic Preparedness Committee is currently working on our official APA 2118 Strike Preparation Handbook, and we expect this to be released in the near future. This Handbook will be detailed and leave no doubt in your mind as to how you should prepare, exact communications you will receive, and the proper steps to take following a strike. As we finalize this essential guide and as the company continues to delay a new contract, it is imperative that we inform and educate our members about the RLA mediation and strike process in the event an agreement isn’t reached. As a reminder, please reference the NMB flow chart which can be found here. To be clear, we have been more than patient and have given the company every opportunity to offer us a deal that not only values our work but also aligns us with current market expectations.

Please review and become familiar with the following Railway Labor Act (RLA) Basic Terms. Below the terms, please find a generalized process that we would follow in the leadup, execution, and return to work from a strike.

Cooling-Off Period – The mandatory 30-day long period that, by law, must occur after binding arbitration is rejected in which neither party is allowed to exercise self-help (e.g. No strikes, no lockouts, no contract changes). Bargaining, including mediated sessions, can and may still occur during a cooling off period.

Impasse – When the National Mediation Board (NMB) determines that continued mediation is not likely to reach an agreement.

Intermittent/”CHAOS” Strike – Targeted strikes in an unpredictable manner which do not affect the entire airline, but instead may affect certain days, certain flights, certain states, or other specific criteria as planned by your Strategic Preparedness Committee. In a full strike, all APA 2118 pilots shall withdraw services immediately and simultaneously, bringing the operation to a halt. Strikers will remain on strike until a satisfactory agreement is reached.

Lockout – A legal company self-help action where management prevents workers from coming to work or “locks them out.” The company may hire temporary workers (SCABS) during a lockout. Management may attempt to threaten other non-unionized labor groups with a lockout if the pilots strike to put more pressure to return to work.

Mediation – The supervised process, under the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board (NMB), in which parties attempt to resolve their disputes through the assistance of a mediator. Mediation has no set timeline; however, an Impasse will be declared if mediation is unlikely to lead to a voluntary agreement.

Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) – In instances where a strike may significantly disrupt interstate commerce in a way that deprives part of the country of essential transportation service, the President can stop a strike for up to 60 days. If neither party accepts the PEB’s recommendation after the 60-day period, self-help can be exercised unless congress passes legislation to end the dispute – which is rare. An Allegiant pilot strike would not deprive any section of the country of essential transportation.

Proffer for Binding Arbitration – After an impasse, the NMB must make an offer of binding arbitration to both parties – which can be refused by either party. If accepted by both parties, the arbitrator will decide the contract. If either party declines, the parties are “released” into a 30-day cooling off period.

Replacement Workers – During self-help, the company can hire temporary or permanent replacement workers (SCABS). After a strike is called off and a return-to-work agreement has been ratified, there is no guarantee of continued employment for replacement workers and returning strikers must be returned to their positions per the return-to-work agreement.

SCAB – Any person, regular employee or replacement worker, who put their individual interests ahead of those of the group and crosses a picket line to go to work. SCABS profit from a striker’s hardship by earning wages during a strike and profit after a strike by enjoying the benefits that the strikers earned through yielding their collective economic might.

Self-Help – The legal, economically driven work actions that can be taken by either the company or the Union after a cooling-off period has ended in an attempt to reach an agreement. For the Union, this is typically a Strike. For the company, they may have tools including imposing a new contract (pay, rules, working conditions), hiring replacement workers, or performing a lock out.

Striker’s Rights – No striker, probationary, or otherwise, may be terminated or disciplined in a legal work action such as a strike.

Pilot Preparation

Section 1 – Path to Release and Cooling Off Period

Impasse and Proffer of Arbitration

If the National Mediation Board (NMB) believes that it is unlikely that the parties will reach an agreement through mediation, the parties will receive a proffer of arbitration (aka “proffer”). The proffer is an offer by the NMB to have the remaining open issues settled through an arbitrator’s binding decision instead of a negotiated agreement. If either party rejects binding arbitration, the parties are released into a cooling off period, after which legal work action can be taken.

Continued Negotiation Efforts and “Super Mediation”

During the cooling off period, the parties may continue to bargain with or without the mediator. So-called “super mediation” sessions may be offered by the NMB during those 30 days, in an attempt to reach an agreement quickly to avoid self-help.

Self-Help Actions During Cooling Off

No self-help actions, whether strikes, lockouts, or changing pay or working conditions, may occur before the end of a cooling off period. Do not, under any circumstances, promote, engage in, or suggest any illegal, non-sanctioned work action.

What You Should Do

What Management May Do

● Ensure access to apa2118.org works

● Ensure your contact information is correct

● Reconsider large financial purchases

● Determine if your credit cards or other lenders have “union clauses” that provide financial relief during strikes.

● Monitor the apa2118.org forum and SPC communications, which will increase during this time.

● Do not discuss strikes with passengers.

● Attempt to intimidate or threaten pilots to pressure Union or potentially break a strike.

● Lie or mischaracterize their bargaining positions, the Union’s bargaining positions, or the state of negotiations.

● Attempt to negotiate directly with the pilots and create division.

● Create a negative view of pilots with the flying public.

● Harass compromised pilots in an attempt to create division and distrust.

Pilot Preparation

Phase 2 – Strike Imminent and/or Strike Called

Before Strike Called

Even if the cooling off period ends, Allegiant pilots are not on strike until a strike is called by Union leadership and pilots are notified by the SPC. It is imperative that pilots monitor communications frequently as a strike may be called at any time after the cooling off period is exhausted. As the cooling off period nears an end, plan accordingly as a strike may be called while you are still out on a trip. This is especially relevant for a day trip airline: pack a bag and be prepared to suspend operations at an outstation.

After Strike Called

In the case of a full strike, once you are notified by the SPC that a strike has been called, you must Immediately cease work and suspend all flight operations. Even if you are in an outstation, you are to respectfully notify the Allegiant team that a strike has been called and that you are exercising your legal right to strike. In the case of an intermittent strike, continue normal operations unless you have been notified by the SPC that your flight, base, state, etc. is on strike. If you have been notified, immediately cease work and suspend all flight operations. In either situation, if you are grounded in an outstation contact your base SPC representative for transportation alternatives.

Do not engage in ANY work action other than the work action authorized by your SPC leadership.

What You Should Do

What Management May Do

● Plan for a strike at any time after cooling off period ends, which may occur in an outstation.

● Remove personal property from Allegiant

● Directly bargain through a comprehensive

“mailer” proposal.

● Unilaterally impose new rates, rules, or working conditions without negotiations in

locations as you may be locked out.

● Assume travel benefits will be suspended during a strike.

● Immediately suspend operations if a strike is called.

● Respectfully alert an Allegiant representative that you are on strike.

● Contact your local SPC representative to coordinate alternate travel.

● Participate in pickets and report any SCAB activity to your SPC leadership immediately.

an attempt to break a strike.

● Harass or threaten pilots regarding their legal right to strike.

● Lockout workers or hire replacement workers (SCABs).

Pilot Preparation

Phase 3 – Returning to Work

You should not set foot on company property, other than for organized picketing. The strike is not over until after a return-to-work agreement has been negotiated and the SPC leadership has notified you that the strike is over. Once that occurs, all our pilots will return to their equipment and seat and resume normal operations in accordance with the agreement. Once the strike is over, return to work in a safe and professional manner.

We are at a pivotal moment in this process and our UNITY must be our greatest asset and strength. We owe it to our ourselves, our families and the generations of Allegiant pilots before and after us to demand what we deserve. More to follow soon. Fight On and You Are The Union!

In Unity,

Aaron Adrian

SPC Chairman, APA Teamsters Local 2118

Strategic Preparedness Committee – Importance of the Strike Vote

April 15, 2025/by Joshua Martin

Fellow Allegiant Pilots,

Today’s number is 97. That’s the percentage of pilots who voted YES to strike authorization—an overwhelming statement of unity and resolve. And we believe that number would be even higher if the vote were held today.

We’ve reached a critical point in this process. Make no mistake—our strength will continue to be tested. Many of us joined Allegiant with the intention of building a long, fulfilling career. But intentions alone are not enough. We know our worth.

We’ve sacrificed, we’ve shown up, and we’ve delivered. Now it’s time to secure an industry-standard contract that reflects our value. Anything less than a fair deal that aligns with today’s market is unacceptable.

That’s why we’re officially launching the We Are Ready Campaign. And remember: 97%. We will strike if we have to.