Senator David Massiah has announced plans to hold a meeting with former LIAT workers to discuss unresolved issues over severance payments and compensation. Speaking at a United Progressive Party (UPP) rally in Pares he criticised the handling of workers’ grievances following the collapse of LIAT 1974 Ltd.
Massiah, who leads the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), said the meeting would focus on charting a way forward for employees who have yet to receive full severance payments after years of waiting.
“The workers of LIAT deserve answers and fair treatment. This meeting will help us collectively decide our next steps in ensuring that their rights are respected,” he said.
The union leader raised concerns about the government’s proposal to pay Antigua and Barbuda’s 32% share of severance in bonds rather than cash, arguing that this falls short of workers’ expectations.
“Many of these individuals have spent their lives contributing to LIAT and the region. It is unjust to ask them to settle for anything less than what they are owed,” he said.
Massiah also accused the government of sidelining unions in negotiations, calling for greater transparency and engagement with workers’ representatives.
Massiah urged LIAT workers and their families to remain united as efforts continue to seek fair outcomes. He assured attendees that the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union remains committed to supporting former LIAT employees.
“To the LIAT workers, this is your fight, and it is not over. We will work together to achieve justice for everyone affected,” he said.
Massiah also pointed to unresolved cases where workers had signed agreements for partial payments but have yet to receive the remaining amounts.
During his address, Massiah also threw his support behind George Wehner, the UPP candidate for the January 14 by-election in St. Peter. He called on voters to back Wehner as a step toward better governance and accountability.
Massiah confirmed that the upcoming meeting with former LIAT employees will be announced soon, with the aim of providing clarity on the next steps in their campaign.
“We owe it to these workers to ensure that their voices are heard and that they receive what they rightfully earned,” he said.
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Dave..you have FAILED the LIAT workers!
..Dunn tark..
USELESS, GERIATRIC DAVID MASSIAH is a waste of time!!!!
Antigua is a strange place. How do workers expect pay when the company is bankrupt?
Make it make sense! I’m surprised 32% is even possible.
this is the LIE that that ABWU keeps peddling!
Well those who want to continue listen to the political stand that this so called union/politician member is stating can go on. They will end up with nothing. Just look where he made the announcement? On a political stage. What else do you guys need to be convince that the union is not in it for your betterment, but for his political gain. Just continue and see who will be the loser. This government is living up to its moral liability and taking care of the percentage it owed in the LIAT Company. 32%. Let Barbados and the other live up to their shareholding percentage of the liability. That is what fair and equitable sharing would be.
Our salaries are to pay union for poor representation and fatten their pockets, to pay into these statuary institutions to fatten rich people pockets more and more while we wait 2 to 4 years for social security monies owed to us which they have now increased and pushed back pension age.
Why doesn’t the ABWU and Massiah in particular acknowledge that they have failed miserably with the LIAT issue. He is beginning to sound like that Barbudan “Oops”, a damaged/stuck record. Hotel works had better watch and take note!!!