Wehner: Any profitable arrangement between Gov’t and LIAT 2020 investors should prioritize severance to former staff

George Wehner,  the United Progressive Party  (UPP) mobilization
officer, is hoping that – with a partnership of at least three airlines to
form a new LIAT 2020 – the former airline workers will finally
receive their severance and gratuities.

Earlier this week, it was reported that a company named CFA Global
Antigua should be joining with the Nigerian carrier Air Peace and
LIAT (1974) Ltd. to create LIAT 2020.

But as contracts reportedly are being signed for the formation of
this new airline, there is no word on severance payments for the
staff who were terminated during the height of the COVID-19
pandemic in 2020.

If money is to be made from this venture by the Government and its
investors, Wehner says the former airline workers should receive
their benefits, which are long overdue.

A few months ago, the Gaston Browne Administration withdrew its
proposal of a 50 percent “compassionate payment” to the ex-LIAT
workers and replaced it with an offer of approximately 36 percent –
with the threat that this could be the Government’s final
proposition.