Some of you need to stop repeating Teamsters talking points and start grounding your arguments in what the Railway Labor Act actually says and how it has been applied, including at Allegiant.

The Allegiant pilot retention bonus interim agreement is a side letter to the collective bargaining agreement. It is not a standalone deal. Under long standing RLA precedent, side letters and interim agreements are part of the CBA and are protected by the same status quo requirements.

A change in representation does not void a CBA and it does not terminate side letters. Agreements attach to the craft or class, not to the union administering them. When representation changes, what changes is who enforces the agreement, not whether the agreement survives.

If the Teamsters’ argument were true, our contract should have disappeared the moment we moved from Local 1224 to Local 2118. It did not. Pay, work rules, and side letters all remained in place because the law required it. The same is true here. Claims that pilots would lose the retention bonus or other negotiated benefits simply for changing representatives are legally false and designed to intimidate.

What is not theoretical is IBT’s continued failure. We held an election, yet Greg Unterseher still refuses to release control. The trusteeship remains imposed. Pilots are denied the leaders they voted for. There is no democratic accountability and no meaningful progress to show for years under IBT control.

At the same time, we are heading into a merger while being represented by the same Teamsters leadership that failed Atlas pilots during their merger. That is not a coincidence and it is not a risk we can afford to ignore. This is exactly when strong, experienced, pilot run representation matters most.

ALPA offers what IBT has not delivered: democratic governance, airline specific expertise, merger experience that actually protects pilots, and the institutional strength to enforce agreements and win improvements. Staying with IBT means accepting more delay, more excuses, and more control by people we did not choose. Moving to ALPA is how we protect our contract, enforce our side letters, and position ourselves to come out of a merger stronger instead of divided.

This is about facts, law, and outcomes. On all three, ALPA is the clear choice.

I hope the pilots that ran the ALPA drive haven’t given up, we’re going to need them now more than ever.

-cHeERs

I know different attorneys in the field were inquired about this and the response wasn’t a clear cut n dry answer because that MOU is different than a CBA. The consensus was you would most likely get paid but if it goes to court that could take years. I don’t work there anymore but hope the best for you all.

More like 25% + 100% creates a majority.

I don’t wear an ALPA lanyard or participate in union matters. But I’m glad for those who do. Supportive and proud of our representation. Our differences are rather petty. Perhaps our unity can be a positive in the months and years ahead.

Hope your group can push through a good TA and collect those deserved RBs in the near future. Then the JCBA is something we’ll collectively knock out of the park together. The leverage is there.

Amazon leadership does not like union/mgmt angst within their ACMIs and will apply their own pressure. You’ll be surprised at the amount of control they have. Sometimes good, sometimes bad.

The problem here is that this keeps getting framed as “I asked a lawyer and they said we’re doomed,” when in reality that is not how RLA issues get analyzed. The Railway Labor Act is a highly specialized area of law. Most attorneys, even very good ones, do not deal with it unless they work specifically in airline or railroad labor relations.

The retention bonus interim agreement is a side letter to an existing CBA. Under longstanding RLA practice, side letters and MOUs are treated as part of the agreement and are subject to the same status quo protections. A change in representation does not void the CBA and does not selectively eliminate portions of it. The agreement attaches to the craft or class, not to the union administering it. That is why our contract remained intact when representation previously changed from Local 1224 to Local 2118.

So when someone says “a lawyer told me this could take years in court,” that usually reflects a misunderstanding of how these disputes are actually handled. RLA status quo obligations exist specifically to prevent uncertainty and disruption during representation changes. The carrier does not simply get to stop honoring negotiated agreements because pilots exercise their legal right to change representation.

This isn’t about personalities or internet arguments. It’s about understanding the law that governs our profession. If you want an accurate answer, it needs to come from people who actually work in RLA and airline labor, not general practice attorneys guessing at a specialized statute between their work on DUI’s and Divorces.

The facts here are straightforward, and fear based speculation does not change them, despite Teamsters and MG’s (the CA not founder) best efforts.

The issue with that is even if you’re correct most pilots there understand the risk based on previous events. It wouldn’t be a surprise if it wasn’t paid just to hit the new local that just lost their bankroll of 10 million with big litigation expenses, all while taking advantage of time value of money on a quarter billion.

What previous events have taken place which set the precedent of non-payment of something such as a retention bonus?

I'm probably preaching to the choir here. But the work rules that ALPA has negotiated are SO important. It sounds like the bonus is not in jeopardy, but even it were, here's some food for thought.

Bottom third captain (line-holders) at SY can make 500k in a year (credit + 401k DC). Today, there was a trip in open time worth more than $30,000 for a 12+ year captain. One six-day trip.

Not trying to stir the pot, but I think there's a good argument that even with or without the RT, ALPA is the way to go.

No the bonus must happen. If you are okay with us losing that money at the sake of staying ALPA (I am pro ALPA myself) that’s pretty messed up. At this point I wouldn’t even talk about us losing it. It’s quite divisive. That’s great that a captain can make 30k on a 6 day with your work rules. Let’s push for that and more.
But the bonus must be paid. I think it’s over $200,000,000 at this point.

I agree, the bonus must be paid. The JCBA will be the opportunity to take the best of both contracts. In order to do that, we need pilot unity. Leaving these issues unresolved would not be a good starting point.

Additionally, I really don't see why we can't achieve both outcomes, it's way too soon to accept the frame that this is an either-or question.

There are some pilots in the system that apparently are already saying they plan to vote no, as a strategy to get more from the company. Some plan to vote no "on principle"; this is nuts.
When this E-board is able to lock down a TA, and soon, it will be imperative that people not think that we will have time to drag on negotiations more to get a little extra here or a little extra there. One way to put this retention bonus in jeopardy is by playing games, getting iced out by the NMB, and now having to wait for JCBA. Like you said, JCBA will be the opportunity to capitalize on the best of both contracts. It's astonishing that some people really think rejection/just saying NO, is some form of strategy.

Agreed. Thankfully, it seems it’s not an either-or question in reality.

Why not just make the G4 retention bonus a term of the protocol agreement? That would lay to rest any questions as to the G4 pilots being paid what they deserve to be paid for being held out of an agreement for so long.

If the deal is no good why should you vote yes!?!

How many others voted no and got a much better deal, just in the previous 5 years? WN, UAL? FDX did and they still haven’t gotten a contract, but they seem to be shrinking. G4 is in a different situation than FDX. G4 needs pilots and if they can’t provide an industry standard contract I would hope your pilots would vote NO. Y’all deserve a great contract.

Because they have no intention of paying it. Any deal made with G4 can't be trusted. Would also mean no new contract for G4 pilots for 15 years (start of last one till JCBA)

I think management will have a tough time not paying it because it has been so public. its in their SEC filings. they just talked about it on the earnings call again. what are they gonna say? "just kidding" that bonus was all a big joke?

its gonna be paid out. will they cry poor and tell us they cannot afford [fill in the blank] because of the retention bonus? absolutely.

I’m sure part of the new CBA will be a reaffirmation of payout just like any signing bonus.

GU to GO?
 

I remember it clearly. In early 2025, GU spoke openly about his desire to “go.” He framed his role as temporary, a necessary but short-lived intervention.

Here we are now.

Nearly two full years after the initiation of an “emergency” trusteeship, and almost six months beyond what the Department of Labor contemplates as lawful duration, nothing of substance has changed.

Were elections held? Yes.

Did those pilots ever exercise real authority? No.

GU remains in control. He directs outcomes, controls messaging, and overrides the will of the pilots those elections were supposedly meant to empower. The structure may have changed on paper, but the power did not change hands.

There is no serious indication that GU intends to relinquish control. Any forthcoming merger will simply become the next justification. It will be sold as “protection for Allegiant pilots.” In practice, it serves as political cover for continued self-preservation.

This is not representation. It is entrenchment.

This is precisely why Allegiant pilots find themselves in desperate need of ALPA.

The problem is not simply one individual. It is a system that allows indefinite control without accountability, leadership without consent, and power without meaningful checks. That system is not fixable through another internal election, another promise, or another rebrand of the same structure.

ALPA offers what this environment has systematically denied: pilot-run governance, constitutional limits on authority, elected leadership that answers to the membership, and a proven record of enforcing contracts rather than managing pilots. It replaces trusteeship and political appointments with accountability and transparency.

The clock is still ticking. The National Mediation Board will eventually grant a representation election. When Allegiant pilots finally end this Teamsters experiment, GU’s utility to the IBT will evaporate. Organizations like the IBT are not sentimental. They discard failed political projects.

What concerns many pilots is the period between now and that day.

A trustee whose authority is eroding is not a stabilizing force. History shows that leaders in that position tend to govern through escalation rather than restraint, through control rather than consensus. Many pilots believe they are already seeing that pattern play out.

The loss of Allegiant at Local 1224 matters. It was a power base, a revenue source, and a social circle. Its collapse was not just political; it was personal. Ignoring that reality requires pretending incentives do not exist.

GU’s legacy is being written now.

Not as a defender of pilots.

Not as a reformer.

But as a cautionary example of what happens when control becomes more important than representation.

Allegiant pilots deserve more than damage control and delay. They deserve a union that is built for pilots, run by pilots, and constrained by rules that prevent exactly this kind of concentration of power.

Allegiant pilots will move on. The industry will move on.

ALPA is how that happens.

GU will be remembered not for leadership, but for the damage done while clinging to authority long after legitimacy had expired

To the pilots who ran the ALPA drive, please don’t stop. We need you now more than ever. It sounded like you all had some real support, it will only grow.

I said no such thing. Feel free to read and re-read my post as many times as you like. If you're concerned about the bonus, I am not the place to direct the angst.

Okay, can you clarify what you meant by:
“Not trying to stir the pot, but I think there's a good argument that even with or without the RT, ALPA is the way to go.”
The way I read it, your hypothetical makes it sound like even if Allegiant pilots lose the retention bonus switching to ALPA, it would be worth it. I’m all for ALPA, but I’d vote IBT in a heartbeat to get my money — luckily, that scenario is probably BS.

Good deal will be in the "eye of the beholder". As someone said before, one's man's trash is another man's treasure. I first have to see what is being offered so I can make a decision. Being told by someone "vote NO bc of XYZ" or vote yes bc of "ABC" is something I'm not interested in. Every voter deserves to see and make up their own mind.

Saying I'm voting YES regardless, is as silly to me as someone saying "I'm gonna vote NO" no matter what is offered.

Can someone explain the trustee relationship to me like I am a Marine? I just don't get it. Is that person not elected by the pilot group?

GU is the tan Crayon. He wishes he was relevant but in reality, nobody wants him here and nobody will remember him.

(The last part is a lie, everyone will remember how terrible he was for Allegiant pilots. He single-handedly continues to harm the lives of 1,400 pilots. He will forever live in infamy.)

Our previous EXCO President (MEC in ALPA terms) was charged with some shady stuff, so IBT put our local under “temporary” trusteeship to get our affairs back in order and elect new representatives. That temporary change has been much more of a permanent thing unfortunately. He’s most certainly not elected and the vast majority want him gone. At this point I don’t think he’ll take his hands off the wheel until IBT is gone and ALPA arrives.

incredibly important to highlight that of the shady things alleged by the Emergency Trustee, none of it has been substantiated outside of the IBT. Of those alleged wrongdoings, there would undoubtedly be federal criminal charges. I have family in the DOJ and there are no pending charges or open investigations.

it seems this was a true witch hunt.

New ALPA Website?
 

My seat support just showed me their groupchat. Looks like following the Aero Crew News post a new website started going around? Pilotvote.com has anybody else seen this?

Interesting, not sure what this is trying to accomplish as the single carrier petition will trigger a vote for who is the representation of the merged group. Would seem like this is a lot of effort for not.

And just like that… it’s gone! 😂 Looks like someone accidentally shot from the hip.

ALPA Drive Lives?
 

I just spoke with a former volunteer from the ALPA effort. My understanding is that the drive was never formally ended, it was simply paused. I was also told there have been some concerning developments involving the IBT that are not yet public, and that several former volunteers are now reengaging and plan to actively move the effort forward.

It also appears that g4p4a.info is no longer active. A quick domain search shows that a new entity has since purchased and developed a similarly branded website at g4p4a.com. Interesting developments, to say the least

It’s amazing we still have people who support GU and the IBT. These people must not have read the transcripts of those “hearings.” How can GU charge AR with things that he was involved in approving? If anyone needs to be charged, it’s GU. How much of our money did he waste with this fake embezzlement bull crap?

I agree completely. It’s hard to believe gu would step aside and allow RJ to navigate the local through a merger when his own position and division are at risk. That context makes the internally filed charges against AR harder to view in isolation. While gu has claimed the matter was referred to the government, there has been no indication of any action from the Department of Labor or the Department of Justice. Taken together, it raises real questions about motive and control at a critical moment.

Straight from Greg’s mouth at the sun country town hall today. He will honor the allegiant retention MOU regardless of which union is chosen.

That probably won’t reassure many until it’s in black and white somewhere. Even an email would put me at ease. Many of us are owed a couple hundred grand.

well its on a live townhall which im sure is recorded so it would be awfully hard for him to back track in it at this point.

Yep. A one sentence email from the company stating the RT Bonus will be paid with either IBT or ALPA representing the pilots.

Pretty sure that would guarantee ALPA and flush this hot turd of a union - Teamsters.

Happy to hear this in an open and public forum.

Making sure the Allegiant pilots get what they were promised is the only path to a successful merger.

Following through on commitments is the baseline for modern airline management, without this the new Allegiant will never get off the block and execute their plans.

Hopefully it helps your peace of mind that airline-specific federal law also supports the premise that the company has to honor it's agreements with a pilot group.

Worst case they could stall and there would be a delay for arbitration/lawsuit.

Based on the fact that, even with a company that says they want to get the contract done, and that it seems we have not gotten any closer to getting PBS and scheduling section done. What sounds like the NC offering what would be a concession against even what sun country currently has seems to be rejected by the company. There we want a deal seems if only that deal is the same industry basement unstacking they have been sticking to for years now. This company only knows to delay and show the carrot when needed to keep people from bailing.

What!? Trash the English Language a bit more while don’t ya.

I would blame it on being mad and the wine, but yes no english major. Some days are better than others. Rereading before sending helps, but I also have trouble taking the time to read the entire question on multiple choice tests. Good thing I have been good at turning wrenches and flying planes.

Any good news from the IBT town hall recently?