LIAT pilots threaten industrial action

The Leeward Islands Air Transport Pilots’ Association (LIALPA) has warned the management of LIAT and the traveling public of industrial action if the demand for the establishment of a pension fund is not met.

LIALPA Chairman Captain Michael Blackburn said that the pilots will “offer fierce resistance” if the company fails to comply. He also indicated that the pilots are unhappy because they know very little about the status of their monies, in terms of how much money is in the current account and if deposits are being made.

The pilots’ angst also stems from the fact that LIAT has failed to adhere to deadlines set up by the Industrial Court and by arbitrators for the establishment of a pension fund for the pilots.

He said the pilots do not want their money combined with the general pension scheme for LIAT employees.

The pilots last took industrial action in June 2010. The strike lasted two days, left thousands of regional travellers stranded and cost the regional airline.

The issue then included a push for the settlement of all retroactive holiday payments and an update of the status of the pension fund.