The union representing the pilots has threatened to act if the carrier does not meet a recently imposed June 1 deadline to give effect to a wage agreement that was reached in January.

The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) said  in a statement that it had entered into talks with  LIAT since 2012 for a new salary structure for its ATR-72 aircraft and general salary increases.

Antigua Observer quoted LIALPA as saying that after years of stalling and legal manoeuvring by LIAT, including the company filing legal action in both the High and Industrial Courts, the association, “in good spirit of fostering and maintaining a good relationship with LIAT, accepted the company’s salary package offer in January 2017”.

The release, signed, by LIALPA President Captain Carl Burke, also indicated that LIALPA accepted the deal on the premise that the pilots would make it a one off concession to ensure the survival of the company.

However LIALPA has declared that to date, LIAT has not honoured this agreement.

The association said LIAT has rejected a suggestion that a Consent Order be obtained in the Industrial Court to formalise the salary agreement, thus paving the way for its implementation.

The salary agreement  covers the years 2012-2017.