Source: Loop Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda’s Government said that it has considered offering a 32 percent severance package to former LIAT employees.
A note from yesterday’s cabinet meeting said: “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda owned a 32 percent share in LIAT (1974 Ltd) and cannot reasonably be expected to bear a bigger share of the burden than it may be legally required to contribute, had the airline owned assets sufficient to meet its debts obligations.”
The government estimated the severance package will cost the government EC$10 million.
Antigua and Barbuda initially offered workers a severance package that includes land, bonds and an opportunity to attend the University of the West Indies, Five Islands campus to learn new skills.
The government’s new offer follows the Barbadian Government’s decision to compensate 89 nationals who were employed with the defunct LIAT (1974) Limited.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley told parliament during the closing of Barbados’ national budget debate that it will cost the government BDS$ 10 million.
“The Government of Barbados will take responsibility for all of the Barbadian workers and that the government of Barbados will pay up to BDS$75,000 in cash to each and every person in terms of their calculated severance liability and that any number for severance over BDS$75,000 will be paid in bonds,” Mottley stated.
In January, the St Lucian government also paid former LIAT staff severance in bond certificates.