Allegiant Air pilots vote to authorize strike action, union says (updated)

Allegiant Travel

08/11/2024 05:42

(Adds Allegiant's response in paragraphs 5-6)
       Nov 7 (Reuters) - Allegiant Air's  ALGT.O  pilots have
voted in favor of authorizing a strike action if the carrier
fails to reach a fair agreement, the Teamsters union said on
Thursday. 
    The union, which represents 1,300 pilots of the low-cost
U.S. carrier, said 97.4% of the Allegiant Air pilots voted for
authorizing a strike. 
    "Allegiant pilots are some of the most overworked and
underpaid in the airline industry," the union said in a
statement, adding that they are seeking industry-standard
compensation and improvements to scheduling. 
    Teamsters said the union and Allegiant are currently in
mediation sessions conducted by the federal National Mediation
Board (NMB). 
    "Allegiant remains committed to negotiating in good faith,"
the carrier said in an emailed response to Reuters, adding that
it offered its pilots an average increase in hourly wages of
50%, with an average 70% increase over 5 years.  
    "Additionally, we have offered a significant increase in
retirement benefits, long term disability, and extensive
scheduling and quality of life improvements," it added. 
    The Nevada-based airline with a market capitalization of
$1.3 billion reported a fall in third-quarter revenues to $562.2
million, from $565.4 million a year earlier. 
    Last year, Allegiant Air ratified a two-year extension of a
contract agreement, with Teamsters union representing 683
workers, including line and heavy maintenance technicians as
well as store employees and some administrative maintenance
staff. 

     

 (Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan and Nilutpal Timsina in
Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Mrigank Dhaniwala)
 ((Gnaneshwar.Rajan@thomsonreuters.com;))