ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, February 21, 2011 – The Management of LIAT wishes to respond to a press release dated 21st February 2011 from the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA).
The Company repeats its position, as indicated by LIALPA, that it is moving towards the full implementation of the Arbitration Award.
The Company reiterates that it has made every effort to implement the Arbitration Award which ordered the amendment of the Collective Agreement. The Company has drafted the amendments ordered by the Tribunal and submitted these drafts to the Union for their review. The Company has also held at least five meetings with the Union to discuss the amendments and agree the signing of the revised Collective Agreement. These discussions have been aimed at enabling the smooth and prompt implementation of the award. Notwithstanding the Company’s efforts, the Union has failed either to prepare its own draft or to agree the amendments ordered by the Tribunal. The Union has simply refused to sign the amended Collective Agreement.
LIALPA has recently, through its lawyer requested another meeting to discuss particular areas of concern in the implementation of the Arbitration Award and to seek an amicable resolution.
As instructed by its Shareholders and Board, LIAT remains committed to the earliest and full implementation of the award.
LIAT categorically rejects all allegations of harassment and threats from the Company against members of the LIALPA executive. Such accusations are counterproductive and negative and could only serve to distract all concerned from the vital issues presently confronting civil aviation in the Eastern Caribbean.
