HEBRON, Ky. — More than 1,000 pilots are hitting the picket line as part of a nationwide effort to get what they call fair treatment from Allegiant Airlines.
Brent Farwick, a first officer for the airline, said he and 1,300 other pilots are demanding what they consider an industry-standard contract with work rules, compensation and fairness.
"The faith in the company is waning," Farwick said.
Fairwick said a pilot shortage is already impacting operations. But the Allegiant pilots we spoke with said that if they don't get a fair contract with better benefits, they fear they may lose some of their colleagues to competitor airlines.
WATCH: We spoke with one of the pilots on the picket line
"We're losing pilots to other airlines, and that is ultimately affecting the routes that we can fly out of Cincinnati and the other 22 bases that we have," Farwick said.
Farwick said if the negotiation process draws out too long and they get too understaffed, it could affect thousands of flights for travelers like Brian Jones.
"I hope that they get what they want ... I understand it," Jones said. "I'm not sure that I would be as understanding if I (were) trying to get home on Thanksgiving or go home, but I certainly understand it."
Jones said he flies with Allegiant because he's able to get non-stop flights at an affordable price.
"It's a double-edged sword for us as a consumer. I'm glad Allegiant rates are so low, but I understand that if they do get the pay that they want and deserve, their rates will go up," Jones said.
Farwick said he just wants to see a better contract so they can serve the community in the greater Cincinnati area and across the country.
In a statement to WCPO 9, Allegiant said it's currently in negotiations with Teamsters Local 2118 to finalize an agreement.
The airline said it has offered a competitive package, including an immediate 50% average increase in hourly wages that scales to 70% over five years. They also said they've offered a 50% increase in direction contribution to pilots' retirements as well as other improvements to benefits.
"Tuesday, the members of IBT 2118 will exercise their right to conduct informational picketing," Allegiant said. "This is not a work stoppage, nor is one imminent. We are operating our full schedule and do not anticipate any disruptions related to the informational picketing."
Allegiant also said that the conditions for a work stoppage, or strike, have not been met by the union at this time, meaning "Teamsters Local 2118 cannot legally call for a strike, a slowdown or any kind of 'self-help' action until all of them have been met," the airline said.
"Allegiant remains steadfast in its commitment to working in good faith to secure a deal for our pilots," Allegiant said.
