#United States #St. Petersburg #Teamsters #Allegiant Air #Pilots

Allegiant Air Pilots to Hold Practice Picket at St. Pete-Clearwater Airport

On December 10, 2024, the airline industry will witness a significant event as Teamsters pilots working for Allegiant Air conduct a practice picket at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, a vital hub for the airline. This action follows a striking 97.4% vote from the pilots, who are demanding better pay and working conditions amid ongoing negotiations with the airline.

The Context of the Picket

In recent years, airline pilots across the country have faced escalating workloads and stagnant wages, with many feeling that their contributions have not been adequately recognized. Allegiant Air's pilots, represented by the Teamsters Local 2118, believe they are among the most overworked and underpaid in the industry. This circumstance has led them to seek industry-standard compensation and improved quality-of-life measures, as the airline has previously attempted to negotiate concessions instead of increases in pay.

Financials Behind the Demands

Despite Allegiant Air generating more than $2.5 billion in revenue last year, the pilots argue that the airline's management has failed to provide competitive wages and benefits. This led to a situation where pilots felt compelled to authorize a strike as an ultimatum to push for negotiations. The upcoming practice picket is intended to showcase their unity and commitment to securing a fair agreement for all 1,300 pilots represented.

Details of the Event

The practice picket is scheduled to take place at 10:30 a.m. EST at the entryway of the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, specifically between the signature flight service and the passenger terminal. Pilots and their allies will be marching and carrying signs that convey their message and demands.

Ongoing Negotiations and Mediation

Currently, the National Mediation Board (NMB) is mediating the negotiations between the Teamsters and Allegiant Air management. Under the Railway Labor Act, if the negotiations stall, the Teamsters can request to be released from mediation, initiating a 30-day cooling-off period that could lead to a work stoppage. This development could significantly impact Allegiant Air's operations and the travel plans of countless passengers.

Voices from the Frontline

Ben Phillips, an Allegiant Air Teamsters pilot, will be one of the voices advocating for the needs of his fellow pilots during the picket. He, along with many others, believes that the time for change is now, and they will not back down until their demands are met. This upcoming demonstration is not only crucial for the pilots' future but also serves as a symbol of the rising demand for fair treatment across the aviation industry as a whole.

The upcoming event underscores a pivotal moment in the labor landscape of the airline industry, with pilots coming together to voice their shared concerns and push for meaningful reform. As the situation develops, the eyes of both the industry and the general public will be on Allegiant Air, waiting to see how the airline responds to these significant demands for better treatment of its pilots.