Antigua PM open to direct negotiations with ex-LIAT workers

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his ABLP administration is willing to have direct negotiations with the former employees of LIAT (1974) Limited, the regional airline that went bankrupt earlier this year.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) had previously requested that the government, one of the airline’s main shareholders, find a mutually beneficial solution.

However, the government criticized the union, claiming it lacked sincerity in their negotiations.

During the ceremony held on Tuesday evening to celebrate the arrival of two E-145 jet aircraft that will form part of the new Antigua-based airline, LIAT 2020 Limited, Browne mentioned that the government is ready to engage with the workers directly to discuss severance payments.

Initially, the government offered the former employees a compensation package of 50% in cash and bonds, which was reduced to 35%.

The ABWU had previously voiced their intention of pursuing the 100% severance payment for the former airline employees instead.

“We know the issue of severance remains an issue and whereas my administration has no legal obligation to pay severance, I say to the displaced workers of LIAT and even those who are still employed with LIAT that my administration is committed to covering the 32 percent,” Browne told reporters

He said that amount represents the shareholding of the Antiguan government in LIAT 1974 Ltd

Besides Antigua and Barbuda, the remaining shareholders included Barbados, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Most of these islands have successfully reached agreements with their former LIAT employees regarding severance payments.

Browne, emphasized the need for the staff to transcend the partisan politics of the union and engage in direct negotiations with the government.

Browne reiterated the standing offer and encouraged both current and former LIAT staff to accept it.

Senator David Massiah, the General Secretary of ABWU, has stated that the staff members are being represented by their union and that they will continue to negotiate on their behalf.

Senator Massiah is currently working on a statement regarding the Prime Minister’s latest comments on this matter.