Union halts Allegiant’s green‑card push for foreign pilots

The pilots’ union for Allegiant Air — Teamsters Local 2118 — has officially blocked the airline’s attempt to obtain permanent U.S. residency for dozens of foreign‑hired pilots. These pilots, primarily from Chile, Australia, and Singapore, were originally hired under H‑1B1 and E‑3 visa programmes that addressed post‑pandemic pilot shortages.

By refusing to certify to the U.S. Department of Labor that the entry‑level pilot positions satisfy “prevailing wage” standards — a key requirement for green‑card processing — the union has effectively stalled the residency applications.

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Pay and labour conditions at the heart of dispute

According to union officials, the starting salary offered to the foreign visa‑holders — roughly US $50,000 per year — is “about half” what pilots at comparable regional airlines earn. That, the union says, is inconsistent with industry norms and undermines fair wages.

The union argues that the airline overstated intentions to permanently hire foreign pilots when offering entry under temporary visa programmes, and that there is no longer a critical domestic shortage to justify the push for permanent residency.

In place of foreign‑pilot residency moves, the union is pressing Allegiant Air to raise pay and improve working conditions — including scheduling — for U.S. pilots.

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Company position: foreign hires are a small fraction — not replacements

Allegiant Air maintains that foreign‑trained pilots make up only about 4% of its roughly 1,345‑strong pilot roster — currently around 62 pilots — and are meant to supplement, not replace, U.S. hires.

The airline says its hiring practices comply with federal labour laws, aviation regulations, and ongoing collective bargaining agreements.

In communications to those foreign pilots, Allegiant warned that the union’s refusal to provide the required certification letter could delay or derail their green‑card approvals.

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Broader risks: staffing, expansion and workforce retention

The impasse leaves many foreign pilots in limbo — some have been told not to travel abroad amid shifting immigration rules under the current administration.

Meanwhile, attrition among Allegiant’s domestic pilots appears to be rising, driven in part by low pay, scheduling issues, and long‑outdated labour contracts. Several pilots reportedly left the airline, with first‑year first officers earning less than entry‑level flight attendants at other major carriers.

Allegiant has previously discussed ambitious expansion plans — potentially adding 1,400 destinations. But ongoing staffing and labour disputes may threaten the feasibility of such growth.

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What’s next — uncertainty for foreign pilots and potential ripple effects

With union certification withheld, the future of the foreign‑hired pilots — many of whom likely expected green‑cards — is uncertain. Delays or denials may lead to disruptions in Allegiant’s staffing flexibility, especially if domestic attrition continues.

For domestic pilots and union members, the case could set a precedent on wage standards, labour rights, and how airlines leverage foreign‑visa labour to address shortages.