Allegiant Air pilots held an informational picket outside Bellingham International Airport on Tuesday, November 18, as part of a nationwide effort to highlight ongoing contract negotiations. The pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, are seeking improved compensation and benefits, stating their current contract is over a decade old.
Key Takeaways
- Allegiant pilots picketed across 22 airports, including Bellingham, on November 18.
- Pilots are seeking better pay, benefits, and vacation time in a new contract.
- The current contract has been under negotiation for five years and is over 10 years old.
- Allegiant Air has offered significant wage and retirement benefit increases.
- The airline does not expect service disruptions from the informational picket.
Pilots Demand Updated Compensation and Benefits
Approximately 20 Allegiant pilots gathered at Bellingham International Airport (BLI). They were joined by staff from Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines, showing solidarity. This local action mirrored similar informational pickets by 1,400 Allegiant pilots across 22 airports nationwide.
Jaiden Batts, a 24-year-old first officer with Allegiant, emphasized the pilots' core demands. He stated they are asking for basic compensation increases, including better pay and benefits. Batts highlighted that their existing contract is more than 10 years old. He noted that other airlines have ratified multiple new contracts during this period.
Fact Check
- Current Contract Age: Over 10 years old.
- Negotiation Period: Five years without a new agreement.
- Pilots Involved: Approximately 1,400 pilots across 22 airports participated in the nationwide picket.
Allegiant's Offer and Pilot Concerns
Allegiant Air released a statement regarding the ongoing negotiations. The airline stated it has offered hourly wage increases ranging from 50% to 70% over the next five years. Additionally, Allegiant proposed a 50% increase in direct contributions to pilot retirement benefits. Improvements to long-term disability benefits and quality-of-life enhancements are also part of their offer.
The airline also mentioned a retention bonus program, which began in 2023. This accrued money will be paid out as a lump sum cash payment once a new contract is ratified. For senior captains, this retention bonus has already exceeded $200,000, according to Allegiant.
"Our contract is more than 10 years old," said Jaiden Batts. "Multiple other airlines have passed other contracts, some of them even two since we've had this singular one."
Impact of Delayed Negotiations
Batts explained that the contract was due for negotiation five years ago. He stated that Allegiant pilots have remained at the same compensation level despite increasing inflation during these delayed talks. Beyond pay, pilots are also seeking more vacation time. Batts noted that Allegiant pilots currently receive about two-thirds the amount of vacation time compared to their counterparts at other airlines.
Understanding Informational Pickets
An informational picket is a public demonstration by union members to inform the public and draw attention to a labor dispute. Unlike a strike, it does not involve a work stoppage. Pilots participating in the Bellingham picket volunteered their time.
Airline and Union Perspectives on Delays
Allegiant Air indicated that Teamsters Local 2118 contributed to the negotiation delays. The airline stated that the union "changed its negotiation team multiple times and was placed into an emergency trusteeship by the national union." Allegiant maintains its commitment to negotiating in good faith.
The union, Teamsters Local 2118, continues to negotiate with Allegiant Air and the National Mediation Board. The goal is to reach a new agreement that reflects industry standards for pilot compensation and working conditions.
No Service Disruptions Expected
Allegiant Air confirmed it did not anticipate any service disruptions due to the informational picket. The airline also stated that a work stoppage was not imminent. This assurance aims to minimize concerns among passengers regarding potential travel impacts.
The pilots involved in the picket at Bellingham were residents from Whatcom and Skagit counties. Some commuted from as far south as Seattle to participate. Their presence underscores the widespread desire for a new contract among Allegiant's pilot force.
- Allegiant's Offer: 50%-70% hourly wage increase over five years.
- Retirement Benefits: 50% increase in direct contributions.
- Retention Bonus: Exceeds $200,000 for senior captains, paid upon contract ratification.
The ongoing negotiations highlight the challenges faced by airlines and their pilot unions in reaching mutually agreeable contracts. Pilots seek to align their compensation and benefits with current industry standards, while airlines manage operational costs and ensure competitive offers.
