Update 11/8/2024: Allegiant Air provided a statement to the Indianapolis Recorder, to read the complete company statement, click here.
Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 voted to authorize a strike, with 97.4% of pilots backing the measure.
Allegiant’s 1,300 pilots, citing concerns about low wages and demanding better scheduling, confirmed the strike as contract negotiations with the airline remain at a standstill. Teamsters Local 2118 pressed Allegiant to meet industry standards on wages and work conditions, while pilots argue that the carrier’s proposed concessions fall short of their demands.
Allegiant pilot captain David Mercado said the move to strike is necessary at this stage.
“Thanks to the work of Teamsters pilots, Allegiant provides reliable routes and dependable service to our passengers,” Mercado said in a statement. “When it comes to a fair contract, Allegiant wants concessions … We’re fed up, and this strike authorization vote shows that.”
Related: Allison Transmission votes to strike
According to the union, Allegiant pilots are among the most overworked and underpaid in the industry.
Additionally, Allegiant Air reported robust financials, generating a record $2.5 billion in revenue in 2023. Allegiant holds a high-profile, $25 million-per-year naming rights deal for Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders. Pilots argue that these financial achievements underscore the airline’s capacity to offer fairer compensation.
Captain Michael Nichols, another Allegiant Teamsters pilot, stressed that the contract is critical to maintaining Allegiant’s workforce.
“This strike vote is about the viability of Allegiant and the communities we serve – without an industry-standard contract, we will not be able to attract and retain pilots,” Nichols said.
Negotiations between Teamsters Local 2118 and Allegiant are ongoing in mediation overseen by the National Mediation Board.
Under the Railway Labor Act, the Teamsters may request a release from mediation if progress is insufficient, leading to a potential 30-day cooling-off period. Should negotiations remain unresolved after this period, a work stoppage could occur.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral.
