LIAT responds to the  pilot union

CEO LIAT, Mark Darby

“We are very pleased to see that LIALPA is looking forward to returning to the negotiating table as we firmly believe that that is the place where outstanding and contentious issues of this nature should be resolved.  Although we do not intend to enter into a debate via the media with our pilots we feel the need to correct some of the statements contained in their press release”.

Darby went on to explain that the current collective agreement is still in force and has been amended from time to time over the last 12 years – most recently in 2007. In the main the amendments have concerned a number of pay increments which over the last 12 years have amounted to over 25%.

He further added that the Collective Agreement remains in force because there is a provision in the contract which allows its automatic renewal until such time as the contract is renegotiated.  Negotiations for new Collective Agreements are expected to commence early in 2009 with 10 out of the 11 associations/unions (including LIALPA) that represent LIAT members of staff around the region.

“When examining the matter of salaries for the pilots, the totality of the package must be taken into account.  Our pilots receive a number of allowances and benefits that other airlines’ pilots do not get such as guaranteed flight pay, provident fund contributions, transportation allowances, communication allowances, short notice allowances, incidental allowances and loss of licence allowances – as well as many other benefits.   ~~Adz:Right~~

As far as we have been able to calculate, when all these are taken into account, LIAT’s starting salary package for a Captain is similar to or greater than those airlines to which the Chairman of the LIALPA was referring.  It should be further noted that the other airlines do not pay annual increases based on seniority, whereas LIAT pilots receive such increases” the CEO added.

Contrary to what was reported in the release from the LIALPA, Managers have not received pay increases of 49.5%.  The reality is that in many cases the Managers have fallen behind other groups of staff in achieving pay increases.

On the issue of premium pay for working on public holidays, Mr. Darby noted that this is covered by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code and a Ministerial Order made under the Code.  Both the Code and the Order predate the current collective agreement which compensated for time worked on public holidays with an enhanced vacation allowance to a maximum of 42 days per annum.

“We are happy to get back to the negotiating table and would prefer not to further discuss internal matters in the regional media.  LIAT’s management looks forward to a meaningful and mutually satisfying negotiation in the new year”.

“Finally, LIAT would like to take this opportunity to reassure its customers that as far as it is aware there are no threats of impending industrial action and the company is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas and New Year period”  Darby concluded.