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Allegiant Air pilots held an informational picket at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on Tuesday morning, demanding a fair contract.
Pilots say stalled negotiations and continued management concessions forced them to protest publicly after over two years of mediation talks.
The protest, organized by Teamsters Local 2118, came at 10 a.m. local time and is part of a nationwide action at all 22 of Allegiant’s pilot bases.
More than 1,400 pilots are participating, according to union leadership in a press release on Tuesday.
“By failing to offer a fair contract, Allegiant is losing talented and experienced pilots to competitor airlines and jeopardizing local routes. Teamsters pilots are simply asking to be respected and fairly compensated for the work they do every day and are picketing to remind the company that without pilots, their planes don’t fly,” the union said.
Why Pilots Are Protesting
Allegiant Air pilots say the company continues to press for concessions, even as it invests in fleet expansion, marketing, and other areas, arguing that the pilots themselves have not been rewarded fairly.
They contend this compensation deficit has driven many seasoned pilots to leave for other airlines.
According to the union, their goal is simple: respect, fair pay, and a long-term contract that reflects the value and experience of Allegiant’s pilot group.
Allegiant serves 22 of the airport’s 55 yearly destinations.
What Allegiant Says
Allegiant Air has responded by calling the picket “informational” and legally protected under U.S. labor law. The company maintained that no work stoppage is planned, and it expects no disruption to flight operations.
In its proposal, according to Aviation Online, Allegiant claims it has offered substantial gains:
- An immediate average pay raise of 50 percent, scaling to about 70 percent over five years
- A 50-percent increase in retirement contributions
- “Extensive scheduling and quality-of-life improvements” for pilots
- A retention bonus has been in effect since mid-2023, which Allegiant says could amount to more than $200,000 for some senior captains.
However, union leaders argue that the company’s proposed terms still fall short, especially when it comes to schedule predictability, rest provisions, and long-term stability.
Background: Mediation & Strike Authorization
Allegiant Air and the Teamsters have been in mediated negotiations for more than two years under the National Mediation Board (NMB).
In April 2025, the pilots filed for release from mediation, a move that could lead to binding arbitration. If the parties refuse arbitration, they trigger a 30-day cooling-off period, after which pilots can legally strike under the Railway Labor Act.
Last year, Allegiant pilots overwhelmingly authorized a strike (over 97 percent voted in favor), a strong signal of union resolve.
Broader Union Concerns
Beyond pay and scheduling, pilots are also raising alarms over Allegiant’s long-term strategy. Teamsters Local 2118 has criticized a proposed joint venture between Allegiant Air and Mexico-based Viva Aerobus, calling it a threat to U.S.-based pilot jobs.
The union argues that the partnership could lead to the outsourcing of flying hours and undermine pilots’ job security.
What This Means for CVG & Local Aviation
CVG is an important base for Allegiant Air, and the picket could have significant local implications. While flights are expected to run normally today, labor unrest at a key hub raises concerns:
- Potential future route reductions or altered schedules if pilot retention worsens
- Crew shortages that might affect reliability
- Pressure on Allegiant to come to the bargaining table quickly
Aviation analysts say informational pickets rarely disrupt flights but apply strong public and corporate pressure on airlines to act.
What Happens Next
The Teamsters said they plan to stay on picket lines if negotiations do not yield meaningful improvements. More demonstrations at other Allegiant bases may follow, depending on how talks progress.
Allegiant, for its part, expressed continued willingness to negotiate. The company said its latest offer reflects “long-term stability” and investments in its workforce.
Both sides know the stakes: pilots warn attrition threatens operations, while Allegiant seeks a contract balancing growth and manageable costs.
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