Unions to BWIA: No more concessions

Unions representing cash-strapped BWIA workers will make no more concessions until the airline says how it will settle the outstanding $57 million severance debt to retrenched workers. The Aviation Communication and Allied Workers Union, Trinidad Airline Pilots Association and, Communication Transport and General Workers Trade Union had previously agreed to give up benefits to assist BWIA in reducing its expenses. Following a meeting yesterday with Chief Executive Officer of BWIA, Nelson Tom Yew, (ACAWU) President, Christopher Abraham, said the unions have decided not to make further concessions until an agreement is reached for the payment of workers’ severance.

Approximately 300 workers are owed money. BWIA Communications Manager, Clint Williams, said the airline is giving the severance issue priority. He said the money will have to come from the $117 million which government will give BWIA to settle its expenses. The Board of the airline has until the end of this month to advise government on private sector shareholders in interim financing of the airline.