PUNTA GORDA — After four years of unsuccessful negotiations, Allegiant pilots say they want action.
They plan on picketing from 1-3 p.m. Friday at the Punta Gorda Airport.
Allegiant is the primary air carrier at the airport. The Charlotte County Airport Authority and the airport itself doesn’t have anything to do with Allegiant pilots’ contract issues or negotiations.
Allegiant Pilots Association Teamsters have told several news outlets they are not close to settling their contract.
While they’ve negotiated the part of their contract that deals with procedures for a hijacking, the union hasn’t settled on benefits, long-term disability, improving scheduling, job security or raises.
They recently voted for the ability to strike in states where it is allowed. Florida is a no-strike state for pilots and several other professions. Picketing, however, is allowed.
There are about 100 pilots who fly locally for Allegiant.
Allegiant said in a statement that it “remains committed to negotiating in good faith to achieve an agreement that supports our pilots and ensures the continued success of our company.”