LIAT gives workers Friday deadline to apply for voluntary separation, early retirement

The regional commuter airline LIAT is cutting back staff and is offering workers throughout its Caribbean operations voluntary severance and early retirement as part of its restructuring exercise.

Workers have until Friday to apply, However one union representing employees have advised its members not to submit any applications right now.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) is surprised that LIAT made the voluntary separation offer to staff without informing the union.

General Secretary Senator David Massiah told local media in Antigua, where the airline has its head office, he is upset by LIAT’s approach, which he called disrespectful.

Massiah said he would have to sit down with other union leaders to determine the next step forward. He stated that the union does not oppose a voluntary severance programme at LIAT.

The downsizing email to employees went out last Friday advising of the
"immediate implementation” of the voluntary separation program. LIAT said it is part of its "strategic efforts to reposition itself as an efficient and successful airline".

The separation operation applies to all full-time permanent employees. The company has said it would respond to applicants by June 15.

The airline began its cost-cutting by closing its ticketing offices across its service areas. It said this alone would save the company about US$3 million each year.

The company has not stated how many staff it will eventually lay off.