BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ST. KITTS AND NEVIS are in their final preparation for the Federation’s second hosting of the CARIFTA Games over the Easter weekend, but pending industrial action of LIAT’s pilots can have a serious impact on athletes, team officials and supporters arriving for the event.
In a recent article on Caribbean 360, it was indicated that the regional carrier’s pilots are contemplating industrial action during the Easter weekend over two firings in 2014.
The article reads: “Travelers were placed on alert for possible industrial action by pilots of the regional airline LIAT, with the financially strapped company warning that its employees were using a “cynical tactic to exploit the fears of the traveling public” particularly over the Easter weekend.”
It continued “The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) has been calling on the airline to reinstate two pilots who were dismissed following an incident last October in which one of the company’s new aircraft was damaged.”
LIAT is known to be a major contributor to the games and is responsible for transporting teams to participate each year.
In an interview with members of the media, head of the Local Organising Committee for CARIFTA 2015 Keithley Phillip indicated that they were monitoring the situation regarding the industrial action.
“If the strike is to go through it will impact the persons who will come to the CARIFTA Games. As you know, LIAT is the official carrier of CARIFTA 2015 and 2016 and any industrial action will severely impact us hosting the games.”
He disclosed that there is no alternatives should the pilots go ahead with their intended action.
“At this 20th hour there is no alternative! Our only alternative is to appeal the employees of LIAT not to go ahead with the industrial action.”
Phillip further stated that they would be issuing a release on the matter this week.
Also in the Caribbean 360’s article, LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer David Evans stated that industrial action before a holiday is often repeated and a cynical tactic employed by LIALPA.
“I have had dealings with numerous pilot associations over many years and in many jurisdictions. These dealings have often been tough and uncompromising, but always based on mutual respect and a clear understanding of the needs of the business. This has not been my experience with LIALPA. Unless we can reach a common understanding of LIAT’s current circumstances, LIAT’s future looks bleak.
“We will do everything we can to minimise industrial action over the Easter period, for the sake of the traveling public. If however, there is significant disruption, the resulting financial crunch would mean that salary payments would be further delayed, and the airline would be unable to meet the demands of its creditors. Such a situation would put LIAT in a position of no return, leading to a shutdown of the airline. This would be catastrophic for the entire region and its economies, and or the JOBS and livelihoods of thousands of people.”
The CARIFTA Games is scheduled to take place at the Silver Jubilee Stadium from April 3-6 with 25 participating countries.
