LIALPA rejects LIAT’s pay proposal, industrial action continues

ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA, Jun 7 2017 – The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) has rejected LIAT’s latest proposal to make outstanding payments.

The pilots took industrial action today, refusing to fly the ATR 72 aircraft. The action resulted in widespread disruption throughout the LIAT network.

Management held discussions with representatives LIALPA, earlier today, at its Antigua headquarters to find a resolution for the current industrial impasse.

During the meeting, a proposal was tabled by the management which would see the pilots receiving salary increases with respect to the ATR 72 coming into effect from July 19 2017.

The payment of the retroactive ATR pay adjustment for July 2013 to 2017 would be paid in three installments by October 2017.

The settlement of other retroactive pay would be paid in six installments commencing the pilots pay period in December 2017.

The company said “this more than reasonable offer” took into consideration the obligations to other employee groups as well as suppliers.

“Regrettably this proposal to LIALPA has been rejected,” LIAT said.

“LIAT recognises air transportation to be essential to the economies of the Caribbean and the activities of its people. The management, in an effort to ensure continuance of this service to the region, is again calling for LIAT to be designated as an Essential Service in Antigua and Barbuda.   LIAT continues and strives to maintain the critical connections throughout the Caribbean and sincerely apologises to its valued customers for these disruptions caused by ongoing industrial action. We will continue to keep you informed of developments over the next few days,” the airline said.

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