Allegiant Air Pilots Vote for Strike

(Reuters) – Allegiant Air's 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, stated that 97.4% of the Allegiant Air pilots voted to authorize a strike.

> "Allegiant pilots are some of the most overworked and underpaid in the airline industry," the union expressed in a statement, adding that they are seeking industry-standard compensation and improvements to scheduling.

The Teamsters mentioned that the union and Allegiant are currently in mediation sessions conducted by the federal National Mediation Board (NMB).

Allegiant Air responded by affirming their commitment to negotiate in good faith, noting that they have offered their pilots an average hourly wage increase of 50%, with a 70% increase over 5 years.

They also highlighted provisions for a significant increase in retirement benefits, long-term disability, and extensive scheduling and quality of life improvements.

The Nevada-based airline, with a market capitalization of $1.3 billion, reported a decline in third-quarter revenues to $562.2 million, down from $565.4 million a year earlier.

Last year, Allegiant Air ratified a two-year extension of a contract agreement with the Teamsters union, which represents 683 workers, including line and heavy maintenance technicians, some store employees, and administrative maintenance staff.