Airline unions optimistic of BWIA-Liat merger

NEWS of a possible merger by June of cash-strapped regional airlines, BWIA and Liat, has been greeted with a degree of optimism by the four trade unions which represent workers at the national air carrier. However Aviation Communication and Allied Workers Trade Union (ACAWU) president Christopher Abraham lamented that the workers continue to be left out of discussions which will impact on their future.

According to newspaper reports, the BWIA-Liat merger was discussed at a meeting of Caricom leaders in Bridgetown, Barbados on Sunday. Among those at the meeting were Prime Minister Patrick Manning and his St Vincent counterpart Dr Ralph Gonsalves. The St Vincent PM indicated that a decision had been taken to transform BWIA and Liat into one carrier to serve the Caribbean. “This is something that the unions have always advocated but it is a pity that it took so long,” Abraham told Newsday yesterday. However, the ACAWU leader said he was heartened that something positive seems to have emerged from the talks in Bridgetown. Asked if he was concerned that the merger could mean job losses for BWIA workers, Abraham replied that once there was a genuine desire to support the regional aviation industry, all parties concerned would benefit. He added that BWIA’s unions intend to seek a meeting with BWIA management and the Government to get the specifics about the proposed merger.