Allegiant pilots ratify Teamsters contract after more than two years of bargaining

Allegiant Air pilots have ratified their first union contract with the airline after more than three years of negotiations.

More than 85 percent of the pilots voted to ratify the contract through anonymous ballots in the past two weeks. They are represented by the Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 based in Wilmington, Ohio.

"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 at Allegiant. "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 pilots will immediately receive up to 31 percent pay increases, improved health insurance and greater job security, in addition to increases in retirement savings contributions, up to four weeks of paid vacation, and an improved scheduling system.

In a statement, the union said the job protections of the contract provide a critical component to a safe working environment and airline, including full participation in critical Federal Aviation Administration safety programs.

The contract goes into effect Monday for a five-year term.

"Together, we've achieved something that few in our industry thought was possible," said Allegiant captain and executive council chairman Cameron Graff. "But we knew that by sticking together, we could win a contract that raises standards for our industry and gives our families the stability we need. This is a turning point for Allegiant pilots and our company, and we are looking forward to working with management to make our airline the best it can be for our passengers."

The pilots voted to join the Teamsters in August 2012. The two sides had been negotiating in mediated sessions with the National Mediation Board since February 2014.

The budget carrier, which flies 95 percent of passenger traffic at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, has faced a series of emergency landings and operational problems for much of the past year.

Last week, the FAA released results of a three-month audit of Allegiant's operations, but the agency said the findings did not warrant enforcement action.

Contact Jerome R. Stockfisch at jstockfisch@tampabay.com.