(WASHINGTON) – Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 are raising serious questions about Allegiant’s leadership after the company this week sold its failed Sunseeker Resort while continuing to stall contract negotiations for 1,400 union pilots.
The airline claims the sale of its unsuccessful hotel project signals a renewed focus on its core airline operations, but their actions tell a different story.
“Allegiant’s executives have wasted billions on failed side hustles while refusing to fairly pay the pilots who actually keep this carrier in the air,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Allegiant owes our members over $200 million in hard-earned retention bonuses. The Teamsters demand accountability and a fair contract now from this greedy, corruptible employer.”
Allegiant pilots have been stuck in negotiations for over four years. While others across the airline industry have secured pay increases and improved working conditions in recent years, Allegiant has refused to pay industry standard wages and is asking pilots to make concessions on quality of life and scheduling issues.
Since March 2021, Allegiant’s market value has decreased by 78 percent, with a current market cap of $1.3 billion. The company lost $520 million on the sale of its ill-fated Sunseeker Resort, which is equal to over half of the company’s current market value. The sale of the South Florida hotel follows a pattern of frivolous spending by the airline. With impractical ventures outside its core airline operations, from sports stadiums to luxury hotels and golf courses, Allegiant has burned millions of dollars on corporate pet projects.
Corporate financial mismanagement has left the company ill-equipped to resolve outstanding contract negotiations for pilots, but the Teamsters continue to call on Allegiant to return to the bargaining table.
“Management at Allegiant has no ability to lead this company. They have no allegiance to the hardworking, dedicated pilots,” said Greg Unterseher, Teamsters Airline Division Director, Above-the-Wing. “The Teamsters Union has zero confidence that Allegiant will bargain in good faith, but this company must be held to account. We demand they return to the table and end the disrespect of working people now.” Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
