Allegiant Airlines Pilots Could Strike

Could there be a travel disruption for the upcoming winter holidays?

The union representing pilots at Allegiant Airlines says its members are ready to strike and have authorized a vote.

Allegiant is a Las Vegas-based low-budget carrier.

The union represents 1,300 pilots. It said that more than 97 percent of them voted to authorize a strike. The union is currently in sessions with the National Media Relations Board.

"It is important to note here that none of these conditions have been met, and the Teamsters Local 2118 cannot legally implement a strike at this time," Allegiant’s Somys Padgett said.

Indeed, there is first a mandatory 30-day cooling off period, which would take us into December.

"Allegiant pilots are some of the most overworked and underpaid in the airline industry," the union said in a statement.

There is an offer on the table that includes a 50 percent hourly increase and 70 percent over five years.

"Additionally, we have offered a significant increase in retirement benefits, long term disability, and extensive scheduling and quality of life improvements," Allegiant said.

Last month, Allegiant reported $562.2 million in yearly revenue, from $565.4 million a year earlier. It could be poised to make a move now that fellow low-budget carrier Spirit Airlines is facing financial difficulties.

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