#United States #Washington #Teamsters Union #Allegiant Air #Viva Aerobus

Teamsters Union Opposes Allegiant Air's Outsourcing Plans

In a bold move to protect American jobs, the Teamsters Union has publicly voiced its strong opposition to Allegiant Air's latest endeavor to enter into a joint venture with the Mexican ultra-low-cost airline, Viva Aerobus. This planned partnership threatens to outsource a majority of jobs and flying hours, putting at risk the livelihoods of approximately 1,400 American pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118.

On April 23, 2025, the Teamsters General President, Sean M. O'Brien, criticized Allegiant for what he termed a "shameless attempt" to diminish the quality of life for its employees. He described the union's stance as essential, stating, "Allegiant's un-American attempt to outsource Teamsters work to foreign crews is unacceptable." O'Brien emphasized that pilots and customers deserve better consideration from their airline.

According to Captain Josh Alen, the Negotiations Chair for Teamsters Local 2118, the union welcomes opportunities for new routes and business expansions. However, he warned that outsourcing pilot work during active contract negotiations is a significant slight that undermines American workers. This sentiment underscores the union's commitment to fighting for its members’ rights and the importance of protecting the standards of the airline industry. Alen's frustration was palpable as he explained that the potential outsourcing was not merely a business decision but a direct threat to American jobs, saying, "It is extremely insulting that Allegiant would threaten to outsource our work in the middle of contract negotiations."

As the federal Department of Transportation evaluates the specifics of Allegiant’s application for this joint venture, the Teamsters Union has rallied its members and supporters to reject this move. They argue that such actions not only jeopardize current jobs but set a harmful precedent for the airline industry as a whole, potentially igniting further efforts to outsource key operations to other countries where labor costs are significantly lower.

This dispute comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding labor rights in various sectors, with unions across the nation becoming more vocal about their demands for job security and fair wages. The pushback against Allegiant Air can be seen as a broader reflection of the ongoing struggle faced by labor unions in navigating the challenges posed by corporate decisions that prioritize profit over people.

Teamsters Local 2118's representatives, composed of dedicated pilots who contribute to the operational success of Allegiant, emphasize that the company's approach could irreparably damage their labor landscape. In addressing the company's executives directly, union leaders have called for industry respect, affirming that airline employees’ work must be recognized and valued.

As negotiations continue, the implications of this situation extend beyond just Allegiant Air and its pilots; they reveal a critical intersection of labor relations, aviation policies, and the ethical responsibilities corporations hold toward their employees and communities. The Teamsters Union's fight against Allegiant’s decision is driven by a commitment to preserving American jobs and advocating for fair labor practices that respect the contributions of U.S. workers.

In conclusion, as the debate evolves, the Teamsters Union remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure that the voices of American workers are heard and that the integrity of labor is upheld. With their livelihoods on the line, Allegiant pilots are rallying, encouraging the public and other stakeholders to pay attention to this vital issue that affects not only their industry but the broader economy as well.