Allegiant Pilots Picket At St. Pete-Clearwater Airport Over Wages

CLEARWATER, FL — On Wednesday, pilots with Allegiant Air, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, picketed outside St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport to protest what they call sub-industry standard wages, low staffing levels and Allegiant’s refusal to negotiate a new contract in good faith.

Wednesday's pickets in Florida followed an action last week in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Allegiant is headquartered.

Teamsters Local 2118 representative Kurt Hanson said, for over two years, Allegiant management has intentionally delayed contract negotiations, putting forth wage proposals that fall far short of industry standards.

“We do the same work as other pilots in the industry and (for) that we ask for parity with our peers," he said. "We ask for an industry standard contract.”

Capt. Andrew Robles, president of Teamsters Local 2118, said Allegiant’s refusal to bargain in good faith and provide industry standard wages has resulted in pilots taking on more hours.

“Allegiant is having to reduce the schedule that we currently have to try to cover those gaps," he said. "What that means is our pilots are having to work longer hours and more days.”

In a statement released by Allegiant, officials said Allegiant is currently in mediation with the Teamsters Local 2118 to finalize an agreement.

"We are committed to the negotiating process through the National Mediation Board and hope our pilots union is committed as well," read the statement. "We have offered competitive wages — starting with a minimum 35 percent per hour pay increase for all pilots — that would make our pilots among the highest paid in the industry. Additionally, we have offered a significant increase in retirement benefits, as well as extensive scheduling and quality of life enhancements. We look forward to completing this process to ensure our pilots receive an agreement they can be proud of."

However, the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit in Las Vegas disagreed with Allegiant's interpretation of the airline's efforts to negotiate with pilots.

On March 30, the court reviewed the private arbitration that occurred between Allegiant and the union regarding the collective bargaining agreement between the pilots and the airline and affirmed an arbitration award to the Teamsters, finding the airline violated its labor contract.

Allegiant flies to 11 Florida cities including the west coast airports of St. Peter-Clearwater International Airport, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Punta Gorda Airport.