More than 1,400 pilots employed by Allegiant Air are holding a nationwide picket today at airports across the country.
The demonstrations are being led by Teamsters Local 2118, which represents the pilots. In a press release issued Monday, the union said the pilots are demanding a “fair contract” and an end to “ongoing negotiation delays.”
Picket sites include major cities such as Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Seattle.
Contract Issues Mount
Frustrations have boiled over because many pilots have gone five years without a contract that they consider fair. Although the contract became negotiable in 2021, the union claims that Allegiant pilots are still making 50 percent less than their counterparts at competing airlines.
The union states that experienced pilots are departing for other airlines, which could threaten Allegiant’s ability to maintain certain local routes.
If negotiations fail to improve, the next step could be a strike. However, for a strike to occur, the National Mediation Board (NMB) would need to declare that negotiations have reached an impasse.
Allegiant said that the picket is purely “informational” and will not disrupt flight schedules. The airline states that it remains fully operational and is committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. In a statement, Allegiant outlined the offer it has made to its pilots:
- An immediate 50 percent average raise in hourly wages, scaling to 70 percent over the next five years
- A 50 percent increase in direct contributions to pilots’ retirement benefits
- Improved long-term disability benefits
- Quality-of-life and scheduling improvements that respect seniority and align with the airline’s business model
“Allegiant remains steadfast in its commitment to working in good faith to secure a deal for our pilots,” the company said.
