The Teamsters union representing 1,300 Allegiant Air pilots has begun conducting a nationwide strike vote against the Las Vegas-based, low-cost air carrier. The union alleges that company management is trying to sidestep pilot concerns about scheduling.
On Friday, October 25, Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 starts to vote on a nationwide strike authorization. In a statement, Teamsters Local 2118 said,
"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."
Teamsters Local 2118 representatives said the vote began Friday to authorize a walkout against the airline, which connects small cities across the United States to leisure destinations, including Las Vegas, Phoenix and several locations in Florida.
Captain Scott Whitman, a twenty-year captain at Allegiant, said:
"It is outrageous that Allegiant is trying to get us to make these scheduling concessions to pay for wage increases," "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.
As per the Union, since Allegiant Air pilots ratified their contract in 2016, other major airlines have significantly improved the pay, benefits, and working conditions for pilots.
As per sources, the average salary for the Allegiant pilots is approximately $96,492, which shows a good amount of gap to a remuneration of $128,000 for United pilots and $214,000 for the Delta Pilots.
Earlier this month, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien, said:
“Allegiant management has made a habit of putting profits before people. But let me tell you something — that’s about to change,” “To all Allegiant pilots, I want you to know that 1.3 million Teamsters have your back, and we won’t stop fighting until we’ve secured a contract that reflects your worth.”
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.
"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.
However, Allegiant Air has stated that they are continuing the negotiation process and has offered the pilots a competitive package, the carrier said,
“Allegiant remains committed to negotiating in good faith to achieve an agreement that supports our pilots and ensures the continued success of our company,”
“Allegiant has offered our pilots competitive wages — starting with an immediate average increase in hourly wages of 50 percent with an average 70 percent increase over five years.”
“Additionally, we have offered a significant increase in retirement benefits, long-term disability and extensive scheduling and quality-of-life improvements. We look forward to completing this process to ensure our pilots receive an agreement they can be proud of.”
