Pilots with Allegiant Air, American ultra-low cost airline headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, are seeking a release from mediation in what could be a step toward a potential strike against the carrier.
Teamsters Local 2118, which represents about 1,400 pilots, said they have requested that the National Mediation Board release them from mediation with the company.
"Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 have requested that the National Mediation Board (NMB) release them from mediation with the company."
If the request is granted, the NMB may offer binding arbitration to resolve remaining issues between Allegiant and its Teamsters pilots. If either party declines arbitration, a 30-day "cooling-off" period would begin, after which the pilots could legally strike.
Last November, Allegiant pilots voted by an overwhelming 97 percent to authorize a strike, signaling deep frustration with the company's delays and refusal to address core issues.
"Since we began negotiations, our goal has been simple: secure a contract that ensures long-term success and security for both our pilots and Allegiant Air," said Captain Josh Allen, Local 2118's Negotiating Committee Chair.
"And every step of the way, Allegiant has refused to offer us that."
After more than two years of mediated talks, the parties have yet to resolve fundamental scheduling concerns in the collective bargaining agreement.
Allegiant's latest proposals would allow the company to deem approximately 20 percent of pilots as surplus and force the rest to fly maximum schedules, raising serious concerns about pilot fatigue, operational reliability, and quality of life.
A group of Allegiant Air pilots picketed outside of the Asheville Regional Airport on Jan. 7, weathering below-freezing temperatures as they expressed frustration over four years without a new contract.
As per members of the Union, despite having some of the highest profit margins in the airline industry, Allegiant Air refuses to offer them a contract that meets the current demands of our profession and meet the standard of today's market.
"It's impossible to make progress when the company keeps moving the goalposts and demanding more 'efficiencies' from an already-stretched pilot group," said Greg Unterseher, Trustee of Local 2118.
"Each time our pilots rise to meet the company's needs with good-faith proposals, Allegiant shifts direction again. Enough is enough — it's time for Allegiant to finally deliver the fair contract its pilots have earned."
Teamsters Local 2118 represents 1,400 hardworking Allegiant Air pilots nationwide. More information could be found at apa2118.org
Display Picture: Josh Bell / Asheville Citizen Times
