Seeks National Mediation Board Approval To Organize 35 Employees

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters filed a petition with the National Mediation Board (NMB) this afternoon to represent 35 Allegiant Air flight dispatchers, a move that would broaden the relationship between company workers and the union.

Just last month, Allegiant pilots -- represented by Teamsters Local 1224 -- ratified their first union contract with the airline after three years of negotiations. It provided substantial improvements in compensation, benefits and scheduling. Pilots immediately received up to 31 percent pay increases, high quality health insurance and greater job security.

"Allegiant dispatchers understand that when workers organize with the Teamsters, they win," said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamster Airline Division. "The Teamsters, if given the opportunity, will deliver wage and benefit improvements to these hard-working airline employees. A good contract is a win for both labor and management."

If approved by the NMB, it would be the second time these workers have affiliated with the Teamsters. The employees were members of the union until 2015, but after a decertification vote ended in a tie, a federal district court judge ultimately found the NMB properly ended their representation. The dispatchers would be members of Local 986.

(Source: Teamsters news release)

FMI: www.teamster.org