The General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) David Massiah has called on LIAT to hold a regional meeting with all the trade unions representing the airline’s workers to re-examine cost-cutting proposals designed to keep the airline financially viable.
Massiah, who attended a recent meeting that discussed the affairs of the regional air carrier, said it was one of the better meetings he has had, and he wished for all regional trade unions that represent LIAT’s workers to meet to look at what was tabled at the meeting on Monday in St. Vincent.
“I am going to be petitioning LIAT to ensure that we have a regional meeting of all the unions together to go over positions, to look at what is on the table and to demonstrate our commitment to LIAT and job security,” he said.
Massiah also said that he was planning to meet with his ABWU counterparts during the upcoming days to discuss the proposals.
“One thing we can take away is that we have until [March 20] to converse with our membership throughout the region [about the proposal]. I have not had that meeting with my workers union cohorts [as yet] but we should be having that meeting within the next couple of days,” he said.
Massiah, however, did not divulge any details about the proposal.
LIAT has been meeting with regional trade unions and government stakeholders to discuss the financial emergency facing the airline.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne called for a major restructuring of the airline’s operations.