Union says Diminished Severance for LIAT Workers is an Insult and Violation of their Rights

Diminished Severance for LIAT Workers is an Insult and Violation of Their Rights

St. John’s, Antigua – The Browne Administration’s decision to offer former LIAT 1974 Ltd employees a drastically reduced severance package of just 32% is a stark betrayal of the government’s self-professed identity as a “labour” administration.

This action disregards the invaluable contributions of LIAT workers to Antigua and the wider region, failing to ensure that local workers receive the full severance they are owed.

In contrast, the Government of Barbados, LIAT’s largest shareholder, finalized severance payments to its workers in 2024, and St. Lucia has also fulfilled its obligations.

The Browne Administration claims financial constraints prevent full severance payments, but this narrative is contradicted by its history of granting substantial concessions and incentives to external entities with questionable returns on investment.

This prioritization of external interests over the rights of local workers highlights a glaring inconsistency in governance.

Why should hardworking Antiguans and Barbudans be marginalized while resources are funneled to entities with negligible contributions to national development?

The erosion of severance value due to inflation over the past five years compounds the insult of the proposed 32% settlement. Workers, who should have received compensation with interest to account for inflation, are instead being further disadvantaged.

Such treatment demonstrates a lack of compassion and fairness, undermining the sacrifices these workers have made.

Adding to the controversy is the government’s disregard for the legally recognized union representing LIAT workers.

By sidelining the union, the administration undermines collective bargaining rights, setting a dangerous precedent for employers across the nation. This approach erodes trust and threatens the foundational principles of fairness in labour relations.

The inequity extends further with potential disparities among workers.

Those who previously accepted a 50% settlement—comprising cash, bonds, and land—are left in limbo regarding the fulfillment of their agreements. The possibility of two separate severance classes, 50% for some and 32% for others, raises serious concerns about justice and equality.

The administration’s handling of LIAT workers does not end with severance.

Reports suggest that employees transitioning to LIAT 2020 are earning wages significantly below industry standards, with some making half of their previous salaries.

This double injustice underlines the administration’s disregard for workers’ welfare.

Transparency is urgently needed, and the government must release details of its agreement with Air Peace, given its track record of unequal agreements with private entities.

While LIAT’s return to the skies is commendable, it does not absolve the government of its moral and legal obligations to former workers.

A fair resolution requires meaningful dialogue with the workers and their representatives.

The workers’ rights to collective bargaining are protected under local laws and the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 98. Ignoring these rights is both unacceptable and unlawful.

The Browne Administration must act immediately to address this issue with leadership that respects international labour standards.

The dignity of LIAT’s former workers and the principles of justice demand no less.

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