Allegiant Air pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, held a practice picket outside Appleton International Airport (ATW). It is the latest show of force by the budget airline's pilots, who are fighting for industry-standard contracts and other benefits.

Incoming strike

Allegiant Air has been in contract negotiations with Teamsters as the two sides attempt to come to an agreement regarding pilot pay and benefits. The union is attempting to secure a competitive contract with today's industry standards. However, the airline has been unwilling to make a reasonable offer. The airline's refusal to negotiate has pushed the union and pilots to the breaking point, and a strike seems imminent.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said in a statement:

"Allegiant's days of exploiting pilots are over. Our members won't compromise their safety or quality of life, If Allegiant wants to succeed, they must invest in their pilots. The full weight of the 1.3 million-member Teamsters Union is behind these pilots. We won't stop fighting until our members get the contract they've earned."

Allegiant pilots have not received a wage increase since 2016, when the last contract was ratified. Since then, other airlines have significantly increased pay for their pilots, along with better benefits and working conditions.

Allegiant Air Captain Aaron Michael Adrian had this to say:

"If Allegiant wants to avoid a serious labor dispute, they need to get real and recognize we won't compromise on getting the improved working conditions and increased pay we deserve."

The union is pushing the airline to get serious and offer a contract that will benefit the pilots and enable them to serve passengers better. The practice picket is the first step in the union making good on their threats to go on strike.

Since June this year, the airline and the union have exchanged proposals on pilot schedules and other issues. However, Allegiant refuses to come to the table with a decent contract. A federal mediator from the National Mediation Board has been assigned to the negotiations, which are set to resume on October 22nd.

Simple Flying has contacted Allegiant Air for a statement on the matter.

No longer waiting

For Allegiant pilots, patience is wearing thin, especially since the union and airline have been negotiating an updated contract for four years. Captain Adrian told media outlets:

"We've been negotiating for nearly four years. This group has been more than patient. Now, we're demanding action."

Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

The issue is especially pressing since it doesn't seem to be about money for Allegiant's parent company, Allegiant Travel Company. It is currently pouring airline profits into a project called Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, a failed hotel that has burned through tens of millions of dollars -- money that could've been more effectively spent on the airline's pilots.

The pilots are seeking market-based contracts. Their current compensation package is 40-45% lower than that of their peers in other airlines. On average, Allegiant pilots make roughly $96,000 a month, compared to between $128,000 and $ 214,000 for other major carriers such as United and Delta.

The union seeks an immediate 50% increase in hourly wages, with a guaranteed 70% increase over the next five years. In addition, they're asking for better retirement benefits, long-term disability and extensive scheduling and quality of life improvements.

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