Allegiant Pilots Picket for Better Job Conditions
On December 3, 2024, approximately 30 pilots from Allegiant Air held a practice picket outside Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Des Moines, Iowa. The pilots gathered to demand improved job conditions and to express their willingness to strike if negotiations between their union and the airline fail to reach an agreement.
Represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), specifically Teamsters Local 2118, the pilots are advocating for better pay, reasonable work schedules, and overall improved working conditions. Teamsters Local 2118 represents 1,300 Allegiant Air pilots across the United States, including 42 based in Des Moines, one of Allegiant’s operational hubs.
For the past two years, Allegiant Air and its pilots have been engaged in federally mandated mediation with the National Mediation Board. The discussions have centered on proposals for pay increases, adjustments to pilot work schedules, and enhancements to overall working conditions. Despite ongoing negotiations, the two sides have yet to reach a satisfactory agreement.
In a press release dated November 7, 2024, Teamsters Local 2118 stated that Allegiant pilots are among the most “overworked and underpaid in the airline industry.” The union accused the carrier of attempting to extract concessions in exchange for long-overdue pay raises, highlighting that the company reported a record $2.5 billion in revenue in 2023.
The situation escalated on October 25, 2024, when Allegiant Air pilots voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a nationwide strike. With 97.4% of pilots supporting the action, the vote underscores the strong solidarity among the pilots and their determination to secure fair employment terms.
The practice picket at DSM Airport is part of a broader effort to raise public awareness about the pilots’ grievances and to put pressure on Allegiant Air to address their concerns. The pilots are emphasizing the importance of competitive compensation and sustainable work schedules to ensure safety and efficiency in their operations.
Allegiant Air, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, is known for offering low-cost flights to leisure destinations across the United States. The airline has not publicly commented on the recent picket or the specifics of the ongoing negotiations with the pilots’ union.
The mediation with the National Mediation Board is a critical step in resolving labor disputes within the airline industry. If the negotiations do not lead to an agreement, the pilots may proceed with a strike, which could significantly impact Allegiant’s operations and affect travelers nationwide.
Passengers planning to fly with Allegiant Air are advised to stay informed about the developments, as a potential strike could lead to flight delays or cancellations. Both the airline and the union are being urged to find a mutually agreeable resolution to prevent service disruptions and to ensure the well-being of the pilots who are essential to the airline’s success.
This situation at Allegiant Air reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, where pilots and other airline employees are increasingly advocating for better pay and working conditions amid rising company profits. As air travel demand continues to grow, the resolution of such labor disputes is crucial for maintaining reliable service and employee satisfaction.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Allegiant+Air