(Trinidad Guardian) Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has now called for the intervention of Minister of Labour Stephen Mc Clashie, following a breakdown in negotiations with its pilots.
In a media release yesterday, CAL said it had engaged the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots’ Association (TTALPA) on November 22, 2023, regarding the ongoing negotiations for the collective agreement for pilots from the period September 1, 2015, to August 31, 2018.
“After careful consideration and in light of the challenges faced in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution, Caribbean Airlines Limited has decided to engage the processes under the Industrial Relations Act and to have the matter reported to the Minister of Labour,” CAL said.
It added, “Caribbean Airlines Limited remains committed to a constructive and transparent dialogue with TTALPA and is hopeful that the intervention of the Minister of Labour will lead to an early resolution.”
Following CAL’s decision to escalate the matter, the TTALPA executive held a meeting last night to discuss the ongoing issue.
On August 20, 2023, the Industrial Court issued an injunction against TTALPA, preventing pilots from taking industrial action.
This after 93 pilots attached to CAL had called in sick during the period August 18-20, crippling the airline’s operations. The move cost the State-owned airline millions of dollars, as over 60 flights were affected.
It also served as a major hit to the tourism sector, as Tobago stakeholders noted that many visitors who came for the popular Great Race weekend had stated they may not come back due to the problematic airbridge situation.
At that time, The T&T Airline Pilots’ Association (TTALPA) had denied initiating a strike.
