Caribbean Airlines Pilots go on strike, several flights affected

Several Caribbean Airlines flights in Guyana, across the Caribbean and internationally were affected on Tuesday as most of the airlines’ pilots called in sick.

The move by the Caribbean Airlines Pilots is seen as an attempt to get the airline’s management to address several concerns and offer them better working conditions and salaries.

In a statement, Caribbean Airlines confirmed “that all its international and domestic flights scheduled for today(Tuesday) will be affected as a result of many of its pilots who were rostered to operate flights calling in sick”.

The airline said that in an internal release to all staff, CEO Michael DiLollo said “We are naturally concerned firstly for the health and welfare of our pilot body since this is an unprecedented occurrence. This unfortunate situation has disrupted our scheduled services at the beginning of our critical summer season, during which we count most on our operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service for our loyal customers.”

The carrier said Mr. DiLollo also expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the disruptions to its passengers stating “Many families choose this time to travel and have committed hard-earned savings to enjoying this time together. To disappoint them will surely be a serious breach of our unspoken contract with them, a betrayal far deeper than even our legal commitment to provide the promised service.”

“While the Management and the pilots’ Recognised Majority Union –the Trinidad and Tobago Pilot’s Association (TTALPA) have been in communication, Caribbean Airlines is disappointed with the action of the pilots. However, Caribbean Airlines will continue to urge further open and frank discussion in good faith with TTALPA while exploring all options available”, the airline said in a statement.

The airline apologised to its “loyal passengers for all inconvenience caused by these delays and assures that all will be done to minimize the delays.”

Caribbean requests passengers to confirm their flight times with the Flight Status Tool on the website prior to arrival at the airport, to avoid any potential further inconvenience.

News Source understands that a number of flights from Guyana were delayed because of the “sick out” by the pilots. Passengers in New York expressed concern over the situation. Many of them have found themselves stranded.