Former LIAT employees who are waiting for their severance payments have been given the option to access their funds directly from the receiver.

The government has offered a 32% compassionate payment in cash and bonds, but only a few former workers have accepted this offer.

Most rely on their union to negotiate further with the government, but Prime Minister Gaston Browne has clarified that negotiations are closed.

Once LIAT 1974 is liquidated, the offer will no longer be available as the new entity, LIAT 2020, takes over.

The Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Lionel Max Hurst has noted that those who wish to access their funds can approach the receiver but warns that accepting the offer means they cannot challenge the government for any outstanding payments.

If the government cannot provide the money, it will provide land and scholarships for the children of former workers.

Severance payments for former LIAT workers have been contentious since the airline went into receivership in 2000.

The General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union David Massiah insists that the government must cover the severance payments before addressing any other issues related to the airline.

However, the government maintains that it is not liable and cannot afford to pay millions of dollars owed to these workers.

Despite repeated statements by the government, the Union has pledged to continue to pressure the government on this matter.