Business
Travel schedules disrupted as Caribbean Airlines pilots begin industrial action
The Trinidad & Tobago-based Caribbean Airlines Tuesday confirmed that all its international and domestic flights had been affected as a result of industrial action taken by its pilots.
In a statement, the Caribbean Airlines – the largest carrier in the region – said that “many of its pilots who were scheduled to operate flights were calling in sick.”
CEO, Michael DeLollo, in an internal memo to staff said “we are naturally concerned firstly for the health and welfare of our pilot body since this is an unprecedented occurrence.”
“This unfortunate situation has disrupted our scheduled services at the beginning of our critical summer season, during which we count most on our operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service for our loyal customers.”
DiLollo said the carrier was also concerned about the potential negative impact of the disruptions to its passengers.
“Many families choose this time to travel and have committed hard earned savings to enjoying this time together. To disappoint them will surely be a serious breach of our unspoken contract with them, a betrayal far deeper than even our legal commitment to provide the promised service.”
The carrier said that while it is in communication with the pilots’ union – the Trinidad & Tobago Pilot’s Association, “it is disappointed with the action of the pilots.” The union has not yet commented on the industrial action.
“However, Caribbean Airlines will continue to urge further open and frank discussion in good faith with the union while exploring all options available. Caribbean Airlines apologizes to its loyal passengers for all inconvenience caused by these delays and assures that all will be done to minimize the delays,” the carrier said, urging passengers to confirm their flight times on the website prior to arrival at the airport, to avoid any potential further inconvenience. -(CMC)