Allegiant Air pilots picket for better pay, benefits

Clearwater, Florida -- Allegiant Air pilots are protesting two years of fruitless negotiations with their airline.

The pilots picketed at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport on Tuesday, saying they want better pay and benefits. They are upset talks with Allegiant have not progressed more over the past two years.

"Our pilots' message is simple," says Dan Wells, President of Teamsters Local 1224. "We need to bring attention to our plight in flight against Allegiant Air management. We seek a contract that will secure the success of our company Allegiant, and our pilots. We seek average wages and job protections that are standard in the airline industry."

As the picketing continues, there is talk of the pilots going on strike, possibly by Friday.