Allegiant Travel plans to turn ground crew over to independent contractor

Allegiant Travel told its entire ground crew at McCarran International Airport that their functions would be turned over to an independent contractor on May 3.

However, the 165 people, including gate agents, baggage handlers and ticket counter representatives, will have the chance to reapply for their current jobs with the new company, St. Louis-based Airport Terminal Services. The company said it employs 2,000 people in ground positions at 40 airports across the country.
The interview process will start on Wednesday and go through Saturday.

A spokeswoman for Allegiant, which is known for shaving costs where ever possible, described the move as "at attempt to be as efficient as possible." But one Allegiant employee, who asked not to be identified, said that meant taking pay and benefit cuts.

Contact reporter Tim O'Reiley at
toreiley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290.