Update From Negotiating Committee – January 16

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Fellow Pilots,

The Union and management met in Las Vegas for mediated negotiations this week.

Mediation sessions started with the Company presenting the Union with costing information previously requested by the Union. After the Union discussed the presentation with Allegiant’s subject matter experts, the Union’s economist requested additional, related information from the Company’s subject matter experts. The Union is waiting for the requested information.

The parties next turned their attention to outstanding scheduling issues that have separated the parties in the past. The Union and Company teams worked in caucus on scheduling provisions for presentation at our next joint session. In addition to the previously scheduled February mediation dates, management agreed to meet outside of mediated sessions for the purpose of expediting the negotiation process. We will update you on the additional dates and bargaining progress on scheduling and other issues following those sessions.

The Union’s Negotiating Committee also met with Local 2118 President-elect Ryan Joseph and Union legal counsel to discuss the proposed merger of Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines. All of our Union representatives remain focused on obtaining long overdue improvements to our current CBA with Allegiant. That is our highest priority. At the same time, the Union will provide our pilot group with all the support and resources necessary to ensure that Allegiant pilots are treated fairly and equitably in any implemented merger, including but not limited to the compensation, benefits and working conditions you deserve. Look for additional information about the proposed merger and related pilot protections in a forthcoming message.

The Union appreciates the support and confidence of the pilot group as we work to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement for Allegiant pilots. The Executive Board has full faith in the Negotiating Committee and the work they are doing on behalf of all of us, and we remain committed to keeping you informed throughout the process. We are here to answer your questions and to represent you and every Allegiant pilot.

Message from Executive Board Regarding Allegiant Sun Country Deal

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Fellow Pilots,

Today, Allegiant management informed the Union of a pending acquisition and merger with Sun Country, with Allegiant being the surviving carrier upon completion of the transaction. This evening, your Executive Board and Trustee convened with the Union’s Negotiating Committee, legal counsel, and economist to review this development and begin outlining the appropriate next steps.

The Union will continue moving forward with negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement and remains focused on reaching a tentative agreement as soon as possible. Management has communicated that it shares this objective. Our priority remains securing an agreement that meets the contract expectations of the Allegiant pilot group while addressing the realities of the operation.

As the announced acquisition and merger process moves forward, the Union will deploy all necessary resources to protect the rights, careers, and long-term interests of Allegiant pilots. We are committed to ensuring that our pilots are fully represented and supported throughout this process.

We will provide timely updates as additional information regarding the transaction becomes available.

In Solidarity,

Local 2118 Executive Board

Update from Your Executive Board – January 9, 2026

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Fellow Pilots,

We would like to begin by thanking you for the professionalism you demonstrated throughout another demanding holiday season. Your expertise and dedication safely carried thousands of passengers during one of the busiest and most challenging periods of the year. Well done.

Over the past two weeks, your Local 2118 Executive Board has been working diligently to transition into office. We have begun the required training, which will continue throughout the month of January, focused on the roles, responsibilities, policies, and procedures of an IBT Executive Board. During the week of January 19, members from the General Secretary’s Office will travel to Las Vegas to conduct a portion of this training, and we look forward to welcoming them.

As part of our responsibilities, the Executive Board conducted a comprehensive internal review of the Negotiating Committee, including the performance of the Pilot Negotiators, support staff, and legal counsel. This review was conducted to ensure that all efforts remain fully focused on achieving a collective bargaining agreement that Allegiant pilots deserve. As a result, we would like to announce the current Local 2118 Negotiating Committee:

Captain Jay Killen BNA, Chairman
Captain John McDonald CVG, Pilot Negotiator
Captain Scott Whitman LAS, Pilot Negotiator
Captain Byron Girmscheid AVL, Pilot Negotiator
Captain Jim Cole PVU, Pilot Negotiator

We sincerely appreciate these individuals for their willingness to serve their fellow pilots. The Executive Board has authorized this team to utilize the resources necessary to pursue their objective: a contract that appropriately recognizes and rewards the contributions of this pilot group. Earlier this week, preparations began for upcoming mediation sessions scheduled for January 15 and 16. Additional mediation dates have been scheduled for February and March, and Local 2118 remains in active coordination with the company and the National Mediation Board to secure an increase in the number of negotiating sessions during this period.

In the weeks ahead, the Executive Board will conduct comprehensive reviews of each committee within Local 2118. These reviews are intended to hear directly from committee volunteers regarding their priorities, what has been effective, what has not, and what resources or support are needed to better represent our pilots. This process will also establish clear expectations for each committee moving forward. As progress is made, we will provide updates on any relevant changes.

We recognize that clear, timely, and consistent communication is essential to effective representation. To that end, we are implementing changes to the structure, cadence, and content of Local 2118 communications. Two of these changes will begin in the coming weeks:

Executive Board Update: A bi-weekly communication from the Local 2118 Executive Board highlighting ongoing work and important information for our membership.

Negotiations Update: A bi-weekly communication summarizing recent negotiating committee activity, progress made, and an outline of upcoming efforts. In addition, a separate communication will be issued following the conclusion of each bargaining session.

These updates reflect our commitment to providing clear, timely, and consistent communication regarding the work being performed on your behalf. There should be no uncertainty regarding the efforts undertaken to represent Allegiant pilots.

We remain committed to building Local 2118 into one of the strongest and most effective locals within the IBT Airline Division.

As always, fly safely.

Local 2118 Executive Board

Moving Forward: Update from Your Executive Board

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Fellow Pilots,

Since certification of the election results, the Blue Skies 2025 team has been preparing for a smooth transition as our term begins on January 1.

Last week, the Executive Board Elects began discussions with the Temporary Trustee. He has informed us that our IBT Oath of Office is scheduled for early January. This week, the Executive Board will sign the required non-disclosure agreements. These agreements will allow access to internal information necessary for continuity, oversight, and informed decision-making.

January Priorities

Negotiation Committee Personnel Review The Executive Board will conduct a comprehensive review of all individuals currently supporting negotiations, including contractors, labor counsel, pilot negotiators, and subject-matter experts. The objective is to clearly understand the structure, strategy, and status of negotiations. This review ensures the Board is fully informed and prepared to support the Negotiating Committee in their work toward a tentative agreement that reflects member priorities and can earn broad support.

Officer Training During January, the Executive Board will attend New Officer training in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. hosted by the IBT. Training will cover governance responsibilities, fiduciary duties, member communications, grievance handling, and administrative requirements, among many others.

Operational and Administrative Training Following New Officer training, the Board will complete additional instruction specific to Local 2118 operations, including financial and dues administration, Flight Pay Loss processing, grievance workflows, recordkeeping, compliance, and reporting, and internal procedures supporting governance.

Our focus is to communicate clearly with the pilot group. We take the responsibility to represent our membership seriously and to protect the integrity of this Local and the profession we share.

Finally, As the year ends, we wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for your continued professionalism and support. Fly safe.

In Solidarity,

Ryan Joseph, President-Elect
Hansel Duran, Vice President-Elect
Gregory Harris, Secretary-Treasurer-Elect
Fihmi Rossman, Recording Secretary-Elect
Brandon Wood, Trustee-Elect
Genie Moy, Trustee-Elect
Barron Howard, Trustee-Elect

VFN Show Time Expectations

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Fellow Pilots,

As outlined in the most recent Chief Pilot’s Desk communication, if you accept a VFN, you are expected to be at the gate and ready to go at the posted show time. If you are not, you are exposed to discipline. The reason does not matter. Traffic and weather, among other reasons, are not protections and will not absolve you of your responsibility.

We have already seen disciplinary meetings tied directly to VFNs. These assignments place all the risk on the pilot and leave no margin for error when reporting for duty.

If there is any doubt about your ability to make the show time, please do not accept the VFN. Please do not call Crew Services to try to adjust or negotiate the assignment.

Thank you for the work you have done this holiday season and for looking out for one another. Fly safe and take care of yourselves and your families.

In Solidarity,

Strategic Preparedness Committee

Election Statement from Blue Skies

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Following yesterday’s officer elections, the Blue Skies slate has shared a message for all members. Please take a moment to click the link below for the message from Blue Skies.

Blue Skies
Message from Blue Skies (PDF)

Trustee Update – Election Results

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Allegiant Pilots,

The officer election vote was tabulated with members of both slates present, with the Blue Sky Slate receiving a majority of the vote. A link for the certification is HERE. After the count, I had a productive conversation with the Blue Slate members who were present, and I’m looking forward to the new year as we transition out of the Trusteeship.

Fraternally,

Greg Unterseher
Trustee, Local 2118

Negotiating Committee Update – Dec 12, 2025

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Fellow Pilots,

The parties met for mediation in Washington, D.C., from December 8th–10th. This update will be brief, because most of you likely anticipated the company’s behavior. Despite management’s talk of retaining an outside firm to “assist” with costing and “accelerate” the process, no such firm was present at the mediation session. As expected, management arrived unprepared to provide the details of any costing analysis they had performed to date. Simultaneously, management continues to insist they cannot move on basic economics until their costing work is complete. When pressed for a completion timeline, company representatives said only that they were “unsure,” but “hopefully by the end of the year.”

During mediation on Wednesday, a joint costing session was scheduled during which the Company was to provide a detailed costing analysis to the Union. During a break that afternoon, the company’s costing team sat with the Union costing team to discuss details for that upcoming session—and then simply left mediation early without attending the meeting. Management did not notify the Union at any point that they were planning to depart, that the meeting would not occur, or that they would be unable to provide the analysis they were instructed to provide at the mediation session. Embarrassingly, one NC member happened to catch them in the hallway as they attempted to quietly exit.

In response, management was instructed to provide the detailed costing analysis by close of business on Wednesday. Instead, the company stalled again—first claiming they could not send the material from the airport, then claiming the onboard Wi-Fi was not working. Near midnight, management finally sent a document that was incomplete and failed to include basic, required costing information. Their conduct wastes the Union’s time, disrespects the mediation process, and makes a mockery of both the National Mediation Board and Allegiant’s pilots. Our costing team will be reengaging with company personnel later today.

Outside of costing, the parties discussed the single outstanding issue in Section 12 (Vacancies), the four outstanding issues in Section 25 (General), and Section 1 (Scope). The parties completed Section 12 and the Union is awaiting confirmation that Section 12 has been TA’d. The parties settled two of the four outstanding items in Section 25. However, the company continues to insist that any Pilot who voluntarily downloads any company applications onto their personal electronic device, including the Allegiant Air App, is giving them permission to track them and utilize any information gained through those applications against the Pilot for any reason, including discipline. As far as Section 1 (Scope) is concerned, the company continues to show its true colors by refusing to agree to the simplest of items that you have the right to expect in a contract that is nearly a decade old (such as requiring two Pilots in the cockpit).

It is clear: Allegiant management is deliberately stalling, likely waiting for the outcome of the Union election. In the interim, they continue to go through the motions, occasionally making minor moves in order to show the illusion of progress. However, management should be aware that the results of this Union election have no impact on this pilot group’s expectations for a fair, industry-standard agreement. If anything, their continued bad-faith stalling only strengthens our unity and confirms what must come next. Our pilots must now rapidly increase public pressure, escalate our readiness for a legal work stoppage, and prepare for the full range of options available under the Railway Labor Act.

In Unity,

Captain Joshua Allen
Negotiating Committee Chairman

Captain Jay Killen
Pilot Negotiator

Captain Brad Keller
Pilot Negotiator

Captain J.R. Lynch
NC Chief of Staff

Captain Jim Cole
Recording Analyst

2026 Teamster Scholarships Available

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Allegiant Pilots,

We are happy to share the following scholarship opportunities available for students pursuing college, vocational, or training programs. These scholarships provide financial assistance to high school seniors who meet specific eligibility requirements, including being a financial dependent of a Teamster member in good standing. Below are the details for each scholarship and application instructions. Be sure to review the requirements carefully and apply before the deadlines!

 

James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund (JRHMSF)

Deadline: March 2, 2026
Award Amount: These scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000. Vocational/Training Program scholarships are also available ranging from $500 to $2,000.
Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. or Canada who are financial dependents of Teamster members.
Application Process: Apply online through International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS) and select the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund application.
Key Code for Registration: JRHMSF
Apply Online: James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund (JRHMSF)

 

Teamsters Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 1, 2026
Award Amount: 600 one-time $2,000 scholarships for students attending a four-year college or university or a community college, trade school, or vocational school.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are financial dependents of a Teamster member in good standing.
Application Process: Apply online through International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS) > and select the Teamsters Scholarship Fund application.
Apply Online: Teamsters Scholarship Fund

 

We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of these fantastic opportunities. Don’t miss out—apply before the deadlines.

 

Fraternally,
Greg Unterseher
Trustee, APA Teamsters Local 2118

Hotel & Safety Committee Message Dec 3, 2025

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Fellow Pilots,

On November 25th, the US Embassy in San Jose issued a safety warning regarding increased gang activity against tourists.

The primary focus was for people staying in Airbnb type properties that were being forced to go to ATMs and take out cash. Although the hotel and transport we use for Maintenance operations in SJO is generally safe, it is important to stay vigilant when on an SJO overnight. Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when displaying any type of money etc.

If you have any issues immediately reach out to your Hotel or Safety Committees.

In solidarity,

Hotel Committee & Safety Committee
Teamsters Local 2118