LIAT today rejected claims from the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) that it has acted illegally in respect of court orders.

Chief Executive Officer, David Evans said: “These matters are before the court. In an injunction taken out by LIALPA earlier this year, the court did not grant a restraint order against the company and concluded that the company was entitled to act in the way it did for the benefit and protection of all its employee groups.

“While industrial action has been suggested by the pilots, we expect that the provisions for resolving grievances under both the collective agreement and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code will be respected and adhered to. These provisions seek to ensure that there is a full expression of the facts and positions of both parties before competent authorities, with a view to finding an amicable and peaceful resolution while continuing to serve the needs of the travelling public.”

LIAT’s financial position remains precarious and the consequences of any industrial action could put its future in jeopardy. The plans of thousands of our customers depend on LIAT during this busy holiday season, and we urge our pilots not to ruin these. We remain committed to dialogue with LIALPA and will strive to resolve our differences.”