LIAT Pilots Remain Defiant

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Business News

Friday, 16 April 2010 06:55

By Andy Liburd

LIAT's management seems resolved to establish a new base in Trinidad & Tobago, but the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) is still not so willing. The airline has identified the need for the move to reduce costs.

A statement issued by the airline on Thursday noted, “The need for the new base arises from LIAT having to overnight a minimum of 18 crewmembers every night in hotels in Port-of-Spain at an annual cost of over US$1 million.”

According to the statement, a Cost of Living Adjustment study is being done by PriceWaterHouseCoopers to “assess any differentials in costs that might arise for pilots and flight attendants as a result of having to be based in Trinidad”.

The study, the statement said, included costs associated with the increased security risks connected with Trinidad. It said a similar study was done in May 2001 when LIAT re-established its Barbados base.

But the LIAT pilots, in a statement issued shortly after the airline's, took issue with the management’s latest position.

It said no study was done in relation to Trinidad even though LIALPA’s Corporate Affairs Committee had offered to assist in doing one.

It further said the LIAT statement did not address the demands of pilots that their housing must be in a “secured gated company”.

The pilots particularly expressed concern about the security situation in Trinidad.

“The government of Trinidad and Tobago has clearly stated that crime is out of control and is their number one priority," the statement continued. "Travel warnings have been issued by the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to their citizens. Earlier this year, a former LIAT captain was shot to death trying to foil an attempt to kidnap his wife. It is unsafe for aircrews to be operating while emotionally distressed over the safety of their families left behind."

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The pilots stress that there should be no base established without proper dialogue and a mutual agreement.

“We emphasize that the pilots are ready to move to Trinidad as long as the conditions do not amount to their financial detriment and the safety of their families are not jeopardized," they said.

LIAT's management, however, noted that it remains committed to the safety, security, and general welfare of its staff.

“The company expects to continue its discussions with the unions representing the Flight Attendants and Pilots in order to establish a base in Trinidad," it said.

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