KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Allegiant Air pilots at 22 airports, including McGhee Tyson in Knoxville, held a nationwide picket Tuesday to demand better pay, organizers said.

Pilots hit the picket lines at 10 a.m. to demand an end to ongoing negotiation delays, according to their union, Teamsters Local 2118. In Knoxville, a handful for pilots were seen outside departures. Nationwide, 1,400 pilots were expected to strike.

Strike organizers said the company continues to ask for concessions while investing "in everything except their dedicated pilots." The teamsters said the airline is losing talented and experienced pilots to competitor airline and jeopardizing local routes.

"Teamsters pilots are simply asking to be respected and fairly compensated for the work they do every day and are picketing to

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