Originally Posted by
V2cut
With Allegiant having so many bases now and planned for the future while having flexibility as one of their core values. What can be done in this next contract to help ease the minds of those that have certain roots in their desired location for base closures / shrinking etc. This to me is one of the ultimate Hercules heals to this airline. How could anyone living in a current Allegaint base have peace of mind of their long term future in where they’re gonna live? Our structure is certainly unique and IMO we need unique contractual backings to give pilots at least some peace of mind. Maybe more commutability? Payouts to pilots if their base closes?
The company has been good, especially in the last 5 years of opening and keeping open bases. Even previously closed ones have come back (GRR, VPS). None closed during COVID, just ones that was supposed to open didnt (JQF). When we’re hiring, we run bids almost monthly and new hires get their bases of choice within 2-3 months. Additionally, while it may be 10 years off, we will start having our own retirements pickup. Right now, it’s mostly attrition. But the retirement/attrition combo is getting new hires up the list fairly quickly.
Also, consider how when new bases open some people actually do want to live and go there - not 100%, but some bases (AUS, BNA, ABE, FNT) have people from those regions who move. Adding 25 more bases will have a positive effect on those wanting to stay put, but it may not be an even effect across all bases.
They try to leverage us with this “vacancy reduction” and use the fear of overnights to get concessions every so often but it’s been an empty threat, and for many, productive 2-3 day trips would be desired.
We could have a VBD/TDY contractual ratio, say must have 2 VBDs for any TDY bid offered.
We can toughen our Vacancy/displacement rules so they can’t try that again.
We are still trying to figure out a proper bidding system. Lord knows when we will have a CBI.
Possibly increase the language on the 6 days non-isolated-day-off clause a month to include 7-8 days off and maybe have them as one block or a block of 4 each.
Those are all I can think of, I’m sure the negotiations team or actual commuters know more than me. I sit senior in my base, so it’s not really in my realm.