Allegiant Air pilots arrived for work today to find something they've never had.
A contract.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant, a low-budget carrier that specializes in flying from small, regional airports to resort destinations, announced it has reached an agreement on a new contract with the pilots' union, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT).
The Teamsters voted to ratify the contract agreement with the airline, effective Monday, Aug. 1. Allegiant and IBT have been negotiating in mediated sessions with the National Mediation Board since February 2014.
"Having the first contract agreement with our pilots is an important milestone, and opens a new chapter for Allegiant," said Maury Gallagher, chairman and chief executive officer of Allegiant Airlines. "It is a good deal for our pilots while supporting our unique business model and ensuring a bright future working together on behalf of our customers."
The airline and the union have actually been negotiating for more than three years, with the IBT accusing Allegiant of sloppy maintenance procedures that contributed to various mechanical problems.
At one point the pilots even voted to go on strike, a move that was blocked by a federal court.
"This contract represents years of hard work at the negotiation table, and we would like to thank IBT, the National Mediation board and all who have been involved," said Jude Bricker, chief operating officer at Allegiant. "Their efforts have brought us to an agreement that improves the lives of pilots, makes Allegiant highly competitive across the industry for wages and benefits and puts us in a strong position to move forward together."
More than 85 percent of Allegiant's pilots voted to approve the contract.
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