Teamsters apply to represent Allegiant pilots

The Teamsters Union this week it's seeking to represent Allegiant Airlines's 363 pilots.

The Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters applied to the National Mediation Board, which oversees labor relations in the airlines, for a representation election by the  pilots.

Allegiant Air is a low-cost Las Vegas-based carrier that serves the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. The pilots fly McDonnell Douglas MD80s and Boeing 757s.

“The overwhelmingly positive response we received in meetings and the outstanding response to the card drive is a testament to the dedication of the Allegiant Air pilots,” said David Bourne, director of the union's airline division. “We look forward to a favorable ruling on our application by the NMB and a vote being scheduled as soon as possible.”

"We strongly believe that Allegiant's success is attributable in large part to our pilots and the direct, open relationship we have with them," Allegiant Chairman and CEO Maurice Gallagher said in a statement.

He said the company is "committed to ensuring a fair election."