#USA #Washington #Allegiant Air #Teamsters Local 2118 #Pilot Contract

Allegiant Air Pilots Push for Mediation Release

In a significant move for labor relations in the aviation industry, Allegiant Air pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, have formally requested the National Mediation Board (NMB) to release them from ongoing mediation with their employer. This decision stems from prolonged frustrations over stalled contract negotiations that have lasted over two years.

The request for release from mediation could lead the NMB to propose binding arbitration as a means to settle the unresolved issues between the pilots and Allegiant Air. However, if either party declines arbitration, a cooling-off period of 30 days will commence. After this period, pilots could legally strike, a critical escalation in their ongoing battle for better contractual terms.

This past November, a striking 97 percent of Allegiant pilots voted in favor of a strike authorization, reflecting deepening discontent with the company's handling of contract negotiations. Captain Josh Allen, Chair of the Negotiating Committee for Local 2118, expressed that "our goal has been simple: secure a contract that ensures long-term success and security for both our pilots and Allegiant Air." However, he highlighted that Allegiant's reluctance to provide meaningful offers has thwarted progress.

The core of the dispute revolves around scheduling concerns within the collective bargaining agreement, which have yet to be resolved. Allegiant’s recent proposals have raised alarm bells among pilots, suggesting that the company could classify approximately 20 percent of pilots as surplus and significantly increase workloads for the remaining pilots, raising serious concerns about pilot fatigue, operational reliability, and overall quality of life.

Greg Unterseher, Trustee of Local 2118, criticized Allegiant’s approach, stating that progress is impossible when the company continually alters the objectives and demands increased efficiencies from an already overextended pilot group. "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," he asserted.

Teamsters Local 2118 is the representative union for approximately 1,400 hardworking pilots at Allegiant Air across the nation. Their commitment to advocacy underscores the broader challenges faced by aviation professionals as they seek to negotiate fair working conditions and protections amid changing industry dynamics.

As this situation unfolds, the aviation community and industry observers will be closely monitoring the outcome of these negotiations, as the resolution could have wider implications for labor relations in the airline sector. For additional information on the union’s activities and updates, interested parties can visit apa2118.org.