A war of words has erupted between LIAT management and unions after talks on proposed job cuts failed to take place last Friday.
Airline CEO Brian Challenger has rejected union claims that management was responsible for the breakdown in discussions.
He also brushed aside calls by representatives of two regional trade unions for an audit of the airline’s operation.
The calls were made by Chairman of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) Michael Blackburn and Lawrence Poyotte of the National Workers’ Union of St Lucia.
Poyotte charged that the airline’s management has fueled the conflict.
Blackburn also said that the management team has doubled within four years.
However, the CEO said management as well as line staff had been a part of the company’s ongoing voluntary separation and reduction programmes.
Challenger also struck aside claims that the company’s management structure was bloated and that the process of job reductions unfairly targeted only low wage earners.
“The fact of the matter is that the company’s decisions are being made based on our strategic assessment of where the company has to go if it is to survive in the present very difficult economic environment,” he insisted.
The CEO stated that the management is seeking to restructure the company to ensure its survival in the midst of a global economic crisis.
He explained that this involves efforts to enhance its revenue, cut costs and other actions which would “regrettably lead to reducing the present complement of staff.”
The unions have called for a Comprehensive Restructuring Plan to be put forward at least a month ahead of any talks.
The LIAT CEO said while he recognizes the concerns of unions, there should not be any preconditions for dialogue to start.
“We intend to continue our efforts to meet with our union partners in addressing the very real challenges that the company faces,” he said.
The LIAT CEO also queried the call by union representatives for additional audits of the company.
He noted that LIAT’s accounts were up to date and were audited by some of the leading international accounting firms.
Caribbean 360 News
