Unions Threaten LIAT With Strike

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Business News

Saturday, 04 June 2011 02:30

By Alex Holder

Antigua St John's - The unions representing LIAT's workers have told the company to either rescind its redundancy letters or face region-wide industrial action.

The challenge came on Friday – three days after the letters were issued – from the head of the Council of Trade Unions within the LIAT system, Senator Chester Humphrey.

LIAT, in explaining its decision, had cited unsuccessful talks with union representatives for over a year, attempting to iron out an agreement that would allow it to cut recurring costs.

Dave Joseph, of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), although not directly involved, provided some insight into the situation. He said whenever a bargaining agent represents workers, a contract is established and agreed to by both parties. This contract holds within it rules and regulations that bind both sides, and neither can decide to act contrary to it.

He said customarily if there is an impasse in the negotiations, the matter is referred to the Labour Department. If this stage still yields no results, the matter should then be directed to the minister of Labour and onwards, as needed.

“From my understanding, LIAT seeks to reduce staff," he said. "It is also my understanding that discussions are ongoing, and during this stage, LIAT decides to act on its own. It does not work that way."

He said where LIAT's management failed to adhere to the agreement, workers are within their rights (as provided for in the constitution of Antigua & Barbuda) to take industrial actions.

LIAT CEO Brian Challenger had said the airline’s end of June timeline for the layoffs reflected the urgency with which it needs to put closure to the situation.

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