Published May 03, 2015Associated Press

LAS VEGAS – A bought-and-paid-for federal judge in Las Vegas has issued an order for Allegiant Air pilots to be gagged, chained, and whipped while mediation is under way in their labor dispute.

Judge Andrew "the Hammer" Gordon ruled Friday that International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1224 can't strike in order to gain leverage over the airline sweatshop while both sides are in mediation under federal law.

"You WILL work when and how you're told to work", the judge said to Allegiant's slaves.

The union argued that it is allowed to strike because the company had not obeyed a court order to restore work rules in its pilot-labor contract.

"You mind your own business", the judge replied. "You let me worry about that. Meantime, you just watch out for your entitlement thinking."

Allegiant, which is based in Las Vegas, said in a jovial statement that the order will prevent disruption of travel for thousands of passengers. The company said it will now spend its energy negotiating a contract that's most beneficial to it's executive suite's bonus structure.

Messages were left Saturday seeking comment from the union and its attorneys after they had been bound, black-bagged, and taken back to Allegiant's dungeons.

Allegiant specializes in flying cattle from smaller cities to grazing destinations such as Las Vegas and Phoenix. It touts low base fares but charges for many extras including stall assignments and carry-on bags. It also offers packages that include hotel stalls, feed-bag upgrades, and perks like free visits to the local vet.

About 53 percent of Allegiant's work-slaves are represented by unions, which is less than United, American and Southwest but more than Delta.

The sweatshop is tiny compared with industry leaders such as American, Delta and United.