#United States #Orlando #Teamsters #Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air Pilots Prepare for Practice Picket in Orlando

On December 11, 2024, pilots from Allegiant Air represented by Teamsters will stage a practice picket at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). This event follows a strong vote by 97.4% of the pilots to authorize a strike, should negotiations for improved pay and working conditions not yield positive results.

This demonstration is not an isolated incident; pilots from across the country have been organizing direct actions at various airports, signaling the urgent need for reformed treatment within the industry. The motive is clear: Allegiant’s Teamsters demand compensation that meets industry standards, alongside better scheduling and quality-of-life improvements. Reports suggest that the pilots of Allegiant are some of the most overworked and underpaid in the airline sector, which raises questions about the company's treatment of their personnel given that it earned more than $2.5 billion in revenue in the previous year.

In addition to addressing pay, the pilots face ongoing negotiations where Allegiant has sought to enact concessions, putting additional pressure on its workforce in exchange for overdue wage increases. This situation has led to increased frustration and unrest among pilots who are simply asking for what is fair.

The practice picket will take place at 10:00 AM EST on December 11, near the rideshare area at the airport. Key participants include Nathan Naverson, a pilot for Allegiant, along with many supportive colleagues from the teamsters and their allies. The visuals at the event are expected to include Teamsters sharing their stories, marching in rallying demonstrations, and prominently displaying their banners and signs to draw attention to their cause.

Under the Railway Labor Act, the National Mediation Board (NMB) plays a crucial role in the mediation efforts between the airline and its pilots. Should the NMB's mediation efforts fail or extend beyond a reasonable timeframe, the Teamsters can request to be released from negotiations, which could lead to a potentially disruptive 30-day cooling-off period followed by a work stoppage. This possibility highlights the high stakes for all parties involved.

As the pilots gear up for this critical demonstration, the situation illustrates a larger pattern within the aviation industry, where labor relations are increasingly strained. Many observers will be closely following how the events unfold not just in Orlando, but across other key Allegiant hubs, as the outcomes could set significant precedents for labor practices in the airline sector nationwide.