Allegiant Air pilots authorized a strike if federal mediation cannot resolve ongoing contract negotiations between the airline and Teamsters Local 2118.
Under the Railway Labor Act, the Teamsters can request a release from the National Mediation Board, which could lead to a 30-day cooling-off period, followed by a work stoppage without notice. More than 97 percent of the 1,300 pilots voted to authorize the work stoppage.
Allegiant serves Appleton International Airport.
“Allegiant is a great partner of our airport and our customers, but this is an employment issue solely for the airline,” said Jessie Funk, air service and business development manager.
The pilots are calling on the carrier to provide industry standards on compensation, scheduling, and quality of life, according to a press release from the union.
“We’re not being unreasonable – we just want to be treated the same as every other pilot in America,” said Capt. Aaron Adrian, an Allegiant Teamsters pilot with Local 2118. “We’re here today to show Allegiant just how serious we are.”
Allegiant and the pilots have been in negotiations for four years and reached a short-term contract extension in 2023. Company officials have said the pilots are seeking a 70 percent pay increase over five years.
