ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA, CMC – Regional airline LIAT said Thursday that that the sick-out action by pilots, represented by the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA), is continuing on a limited basis. “Some pilots have reported for duty and as a result most flights are now expected to operate,” Corporate Communications Manager Desmond Brown said. “Due to the continued action by the pilots, passengers are advised that there may be further cancellations or rescheduling of flights throughout the day.” The pilots went on sick-out on Tuesday to demand the reinstatement of their colleague, Captain Michael Blackburn, who was dismissed with immediate effect on Monday. Thousands of passengers across the region were left stranded for the past two days as the airline’s scheduled flights were cancelled. Meantime, the pilots’ association has reminded LIAT’s management of its intention to take industrial action in their dispute over pension payments if certain action was not taken by the company by December 15.
