ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA:--- The Management of LIAT held discussions with representatives of Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA), earlier today, at its Antigua headquarters to find a resolution to the current industrial impasse. During the meeting, a proposal was tabled by the Management which would see the pilots receiving salary increases with respect to the ATR 72 coming into effect from July 19, 2017. The payment of the retroactive ATR pay adjustment for July 2013 to 2017 would be paid in three installments by October 2017. The settlement of other retroactive pay would be paid in six installments commencing the pilots pay period in December 2017. This more than reasonable offer submitted by the company took into consideration the company’s obligations to other employee groups as well as suppliers. Regrettably, this proposal to LIALPA has been rejected. LIAT recognizes air transportation to be essential to the economies of the Caribbean and the activities of its people. The Management, in an effort to ens the re continuance of this service to the region, is again calling for LIAT to be designated as an Essential Service in Antigua and Barbuda. LIAT continues and strives to maintain the critical connections throughout the Caribbean and sincerely apologises to its valued customers for these disruptions caused the by ongoing industrial action. We will continue to keep you informed of developments over the next few days.
