( Real News Antigua) ..It is unconscionable that another set of LIAT (1974) Ltd. workers
has been sent home without severance in hand, says MP Jamale
Pringle, leader of the Opposition and the United Progressive Party
(UPP).
The now-defunct regional carrier took its last flight on Monday,
January 22. And, as of February 5, dozens of staff will be placed on
the breadline, alongside their colleagues who were let go in early
2020.
The airline’s demise – after over six decades of service to the region
– is regrettable, Pringle says. He praises the carrier for having
served with distinction and for its outstanding safety record in air
transportation; and he recalls feeling a sense of loss when the airline
concluded its final flight.
Pringle also credits the hard work and efforts of the employees to
keep the airline afloat these past years; and he says it is a wicked act
to send them home empty-handed in these difficult economic times.
Meanwhile, the Opposition leader takes note that there are now two
sets of former LIAT workers who are owed benefits.
Pringle acknowledges, too, that – because of the long wait for
settlement – several former workers have lost their homes, vehicles,
and other assets after being placed on the breadline without a dime.
And, according to him, this situation has also impacted the health of
some ex-employees.
He says he is hoping that an amicable resolution can be reached
between the Government and the employees’ union so the workers
can get what is due to them.
In the meantime, the UPP leader is urging Cabinet members to “call
out” the prime minister in an effort to have him reconsider his latest
offer of less than a 50 percent-severance payout.
The airline was placed in administration three years ago. Regarding
these latest terminations, administrator Cleveland Seaforth has said
the company is obligated to pay workers their entitlements.
However, the computation of these sums – related to severance pay,
vacation pay, retroactive pay, and outstanding salaries – would be
provided “under separate cover” within 45 days of the termination
letter, he said.
