More than three years after they began bargaining, Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 1224 have won their first union contract with the airline. The Teamsters pilots’ bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement with company executives and negotiators for a new collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Teamsters and company negotiators have agreed to meet the week of June 27 to finalize the contract language.
Allegiant Air services Central Florida airports in Sanford (Orlando) and St. Pete (Tampa) as well as several other Florida airports.
The tentative agreement includes significant compensation, retirement and medical benefit increases, improved scheduling rules and procedures, strong job protections, and other important work rule enhancements. The specific details of the tentative agreement will first be disclosed to and discussed with Allegiant pilots. Allegiant Air pilots will vote whether to approve the agreement in a secret ballot referendum that will be conducted in late July.
“The Allegiant Air pilots have demonstrated tremendous determination and resilience over the last several turbulent years,” said Teamsters Local 1224 President Daniel C. Wells. “The Allegiant Air pilots’ professionalism, courage and unity in the face of adversity is truly remarkable, and they have earned the respect of their fellow pilots throughout the industry. Their resolve and the tentative agreement that they have now secured show that when airline pilots stand together, we can win real changes that help improve the passenger experience and the company’s bottom line, as well as our ability to support our families.”
Captain Scott Whitman, the Allegiant Air pilots’ negotiating committee chairman expressed confidence that the contract improvements will be well received by the pilots. Captain Whitman said, “Since we voted to join Teamsters Local 1224 in 2012, we have been committed to working with the company to reach a contract that fairly rewards the pilots for their vital contribution to the company’s operations and success. Our tentative agreement with the company meets that objective, and I believe the pilots will be proud to work under it.”
Captain Cameron Graff, the pilots’ Executive Council Chairman, echoed Captain Whitman’s comments. Captain Graff noted, “For years, we have been asking Allegiant Air to invest in its pilots, and Allegiant has listened. This contract brings us in line with industry standards that we, our families and customers deserve. With the new contract in place, we will have a voice at the table to make sure Allegiant Air is the best possible airline it can be.”
