BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ONCE again, thousands of travellers have been left stranded on various airports in the Caribbean as all pilots who were scheduled to work this morning (Dec. 7) at LIAT (1974) Ltd have called in sick.
This action has again caused a disruption in this morning's flights, and is likely to affect scheduled flights throughout the day.
Last evening (Dec. 6), LIAT issued an advisory informing passengers that information regarding flights for today would be available on their website the following morning, but they issued another advisory this morning informing them of the industrial action by their pilots.
This is the second sick-out over a two day period by the LIAT pilots.
Yesterday (Dec. 6), LIAT released an advisory informing the public of their pilots' industrial action which caused an interruption in most flights that were scheduled for that day.
This sick-out came one day after the Company terminated its employment relationship with Captain Michael Blackburn, Chairman of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA). The manner in which the matter was handled is stated to be at the heart of the pilots' industrial action.
The Company did not give a reason for Blackburn's termination but noted that at that time "no further public statements will be issued".
Meanwhile, travellers who are unable to complete their scheduled journey as a result of interruption of the flights will have to 'fend' for themselves.
"LIAT also wishes to advise that passengers who decide to travel but are unable to complete their journey due to the disruption, will not be provided with meals, transportation, hotel accommodation etc. Passengers with onward connections are advised to contact their respective carriers," the advisory issued this morning stated.
However, "Customers affected by the disruptions who wish to rebook will be allowed to do so without charge for a period of one week from the date of their original scheduled travel. Following the one-week grace period, passengers will be required to pay applicable fare and change fees when re-booking.
Passengers who are unable to travel as planned due to the industrial action, at their request, will be issued a full credit for future travel. Terms and conditions apply."
The Company apologizes to those passengers that have been affected by the disruption and for any inconvenience caused as a result of the action by their pilots.
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