ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, June 28, 2010 – Representatives of LIAT’s management and the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) met on Monday 28th June 2010 at LIAT’s headquarters in Antigua to discuss issues relating to the recent industrial action by LIALPA.
The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere with LIALPA’s team led by Captain Patterson Thompson, Secretary of LIALPA, while LIAT’s team was led by Mr. Brian Challenger, Acting CEO. The LIAT Acting CEO welcomed the LIALPA delegation and it was agreed that the meeting would serve as a forum for update and exchange of positions on the four items which had been identified by LIALPA in its recent press releases.
The meeting reached agreement on the issue relating to statutory deductions for two LIAT pilots, with mechanisms agreed for facilitating a prompt and transparent settlement, while various understandings for resolving differences on the LIAT Pension Fund were also achieved.
On the matter of retroactive payments for Holiday Pay both sides reiterated their earlier positions on this issue. LIAT indicated its intention that this matter be pursued through the country’s industrial relations resolution mechanism in order to arrive at an independent judicial decision. The LIALPA delegation indicated its interest in a speedy resolution of this matter and indicated that this issue remained a “contentious” matter for the pilot body.
In relation to LIALPA’s stated concern with the LIAT-LIALPA arbitration process, the meeting noted the date for release of the report as indicated by the Chairman of the Arbitration Panel. LIAT’s management reiterated its continuing commitment to the Arbitration process earlier agreed on by both parties.
The meeting also noted recent correspondence exchanged between LIAT and LIALPA with both parties seeking clarification on the issues raised. LIAT sought a clear indication from LIALPA on whether it intended to proceed with industrial action as indicated in its Notice of 25th June. It was indicated that LIALPA would reply following consultations with its Chairman.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of courtesies.
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