Industrial action by staff at Caribbean Airport Services (CAS), on the weekend, caused severe delays and disruptions in the schedule of several flights departing the VC Bird International Airport.
A well-placed source said customer service representatives and other staff were on a go-slow on Saturday, in protest of a breakdown in talks over salary negotiations. The source told OBSERVER media the action was continuing until the time of going to press.
The individual, who did not wish to be named, said staff were requesting a 25 per cent increase in salaries, however the management of the company said such a request was not feasible at this time.
CAS provides passenger handling, cargo handling, ramp handling, load control, security and corporate flight support for LIAT, Air Canada, Amerijet, Ameriflight, Continental Airlines and Canjet. At least one airline confirmed the action by the workers affected flight operation.
In an advisory for Sunday and today, Liat apologised to customers for what it said was an unplanned industrial action by staff at Caribbean Airport Services (CAS), Liat’s Passenger Handling Provider at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua.
The airline said a number of Liat’s flights originating or connecting from or through Antigua were experiencing delays, but advised passengers to check in as normal. The company also informed its customers that the management of CAS was working with the union to resolve the situation, but in the meantime Liat wishes to apologise to its passengers for any inconvenience caused.
Efforts to contact General Manager of CAS, Craig Richards, for comment, proved futile.