Allegiant Air Pilots to Picket Nationwide
Allegiant Air pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, are taking a stand for their rights and will participate in a nationwide picket on November 18 at 10 AM local time. This event aims to highlight the ongoing delays in contract negotiations and the need for fair compensation for over 1,400 pilots stationed at 22 airport bases across the country.
The picket comes at a time when Allegiant Air's management is insisting on concessions from its pilots, despite the company investing heavily in areas that do not directly benefit its crew. Pilots have expressed deep concerns that the continuous stalling in negotiations is not only affecting their livelihoods but is also driving talented and experienced professionals to seek opportunities with competing airlines. This migration threatens the availability of local routes and, ultimately, the service reliability of Allegiant Air.
The Teamsters union articulates that the pilots are not asking for anything extraordinary; rather, they desire respect and fair compensation that reflects the hard work and dedication they put into their jobs every day. Union representatives emphasize the importance of this picket as a reminder to Allegiant management that the pilots are the backbone of the airline—without them, the planes simply cannot fly.
Picket Locations
The nationwide picketing will occur at major airports including:
- - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl. Airport
- - Des Moines Intl. Airport
- - Bishop Intl. Airport in Flint, MI
- - Gerald R. Ford Intl. Airport in Grand Rapids, MI
- - Indianapolis Intl. Airport
Each location will feature the Teamsters pilots holding signs that call attention to their issues, with messages such as “Allegiant Air Bad Bets in Vegas, Bad Bets in Management” and “Allegiant Management Wastes Millions, Pilots Still Waiting.”
The Impact on Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air's current contract with its pilots is under scrutiny due to the significant delays faced in negotiations. Pilots assert that the company's failure to secure a fair agreement is leading to a decline in morale among the workforce. The potential loss of pilots to competitor airlines is a growing concern for the management, which could result in disruptions to service and a compromised reputation for reliability.
As the picketing draws nearer, the message from the union is clear: this is not just about pursuing higher wages; it is fundamentally about fairness, respect, and dignity in the workplace for those who ensure safety and deliver service in the skies.
Conclusion
The nationwide picket scheduled for November 18 serves as a pivotal moment for Allegiant pilots, unifying them in their demand for a fair contract and recognition of their essential role in the airline’s operations. As they prepare to take their message public at various airports, the anticipation builds for how management will respond and what the future holds for thousands of pilots and their careers at Allegiant Air.