Caribbean Airlines (CAL), the state-owned airline of Trinidad and Tobago, has faced significant disruptions in its services due to a sickout by pilots. This has led to the cancellation of various flights spanning domestic, regional, and international routes.
Industrial court intervenes with injunction
Reports are that the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago has granted an ex-parte injunction against the Trinidad and Tobago Airlines Pilots Association (TTALPA).
The court’s mandate effectively bars TTALPA‘s leadership and its affiliates from endorsing or participating in any form of industrial action, notably the en masse sick calls.
The association has also been instructed to ensure that CAL staff members under its umbrella return to work immediately in line with their rostered duties.
The Industrial Court said that its orders should continue “until further order” and that the application for the ex-party injunction “be returnable on the 28th day of September 2023, at the hour of 9:30.
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Potential consequences for non-compliance
An attached penal clause underscores the gravity of the situation, indicating that any defiance to the court’s directive could result in severe repercussions for TTALPA and its members.
CAL experiences operational disruptions
In a statement on Sunday,CAL cites “cockpit crew constraints” as the root of its operational disruptions. It has also pointed out a noteworthy pattern: an unusually high number of pilots reporting illnesses roughly three hours before scheduled flight departures.
Reports are that the airline has also highlighted that it is in the midst of negotiations with TTALPA regarding a collective agreement for the years 2015-2016.
CAL said as a result it has had to cancel several flights.
According to media reports, the employees of the airline had taken industrial action after wage negotiations had broken down.
However, TTALPA has refuted claims of a coordinated sickout or industrial action.
The association emphasizes that, as per Section 67(2) of the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01, pilots, being part of an essential service, are prohibited from engaging in such actions.
TTALPA said it remains committed to public welfare, assuring that their pilots prioritize passenger safety and interests.
Affected passengers
The ripple effect of the canceled flights is palpable, with many passengers left in limbo. Some travelers have voiced grievances about being uninformed regarding the unfolding situation.
However, CAL has announced recovery flight solutions, especially for passengers traveling between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, in an effort to alleviate some of the inconveniences.
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