Caribbean Airlines pilots stage protest at Piarco airport

OTTO CARRINGTON
Senior Producer

Caribbean Airlines pilots protested at Piarco International Airport this morning, but the demonstration did not disrupt flights in or out of the country.

The pilots gathered outside the airport entrance, holding placards and calling on the government to settle outstanding wages and increments owed to them.

President of the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA), Jason Wickham, assured that their protest was organized in a way that did not impact travellers entering or leaving the country. 

He confirmed that the pilots were using their off-duty hours to stage the protest.

The TTALPA President stated that the Association has agreed to the government’s 4-percent wage offer.  TTALPA also has submitted their agreement to the Chief Personnel Officer but is yet to receive a response.

Jason Wickham emphasized that they are aligned with the government’s proposal and hope that good sense will prevail in resolving the issue swiftly.

“As far as we are aware, we haven’t heard anything from the powers-that-be responsible for the negotiations, and no, we haven’t heard anything from the government,” he told Guardian Media.

“That is why we are here today, asking the line minister, ‘Mr. Minister, please step in and help settle our outstanding nine-year collective agreement, please’.”

Meanwhile, Caribbean Airlines has described this morning’s action as both “unexpected “and “disappointing”.

The airline says it has been engaging in discussions with TTALPA and agreement has been reached on several matters.

It also revealed that the pilots have received their annual increment of up to three percent.

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