Saturday, November 9, 2024 Pilots with Allegiant Airlines took a bold step on Thursday by voting to authorize a strike, citing demands for concessions they claim are unfair in exchange for wage increases. This decision was confirmed by Teamsters Local 2118, which represents the pilots and has voiced concerns over the airline’s stance in ongoing negotiations. The union asserts that Allegiant has pressed for these concessions while pilots seek “industry-standard compensation” and better scheduling conditions, according to a news release.
Currently, Allegiant Airlines and the Teamsters are participating in mediation talks overseen by the National Mediation Board (NMB), a federally facilitated process mandated by the Railway Labor Act. Under this act, pilots cannot strike unless the mediation board declares an impasse, releases both parties from mediation, and implements a 30-day cooling-off period to ensure all negotiation options are exhausted. Only then, if all bargaining channels have been fully explored, could a strike be officially authorized.
Allegiant spokesperson Sonya Padgett shared details of the airline’s current offer, which includes an immediate 50% average increase in hourly wages, with an average 70% wage increase over the next five years. Additionally, Allegiant has pledged substantial improvements to retirement benefits, long-term disability plans, and scheduling practices aimed at enhancing pilots’ quality of life. Despite these offers, the Teamsters .