LIAT’s management stands firm in its proposal to open a base in Trinidad despite resistance from workers in Antigua and Barbados.
Corporate Communications Specialist Penny Gomez told the Antigua Sun that a meeting was held recently to discuss the proposal and it was made clear that they will be adhering to every policy and procedure before a decision could be made on the proposed project.
“We had a meeting in Barbados last week Tuesday and we made sure that everyone present understood that we will be following every procedure,” Gomez said.
However, Chairman of the Leeward Island Air Line Pilots Association (LIALPA) Captain Michael Blackburn recently said the body will not be supporting any arrangements for the establishment of a new base in Trinidad until the members get a chance to evaluate the relevant studies. Blackburn said while the carrier was within its right to establish a base in Trinidad, it must first address the concerns of the workers who would be expected to move there.
The chairman explained that the collective agreement with LIAT allows the company to open bases, but it is structured in such a way that to move a pilot out of the existing bases requires an agreement with LIALPA.
Other issues articulated by Blackburn include the personal security of workers who would have to move to Trinidad and the cost of living in that country.
The regional airline is encountering some challenges to its plans to establish a new base.
Plans to open the new base within three months are being met with some resistance by workers based in Antigua and in Barbados.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Darby said he is hopeful that common sense would prevail, adding that LIAT is missing out on huge potential earnings by delaying the establishment of the third base. Darby pointed out that LIAT continues to incur huge bills in Trinidad for the provision of nightly hotel accommodation for 24 crew members.