Caribbean News
Caribbean Airlines pilot sickout, ex party injunction issued
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
August 29, 2023 – Caribbean Airlines (CAL) was recently faced with unusual activity as many flights were canceled due to several calls in what they described as a remarkably high volume, from pilots informing that they were unwell and incapable of showing up for work.
The airline reported that pilots called in sick approximately three hours before flight departure times.
The flights canceled totaled more than 60 including domestic, regional and international.
Due to the canceled flights, the airline is advising those who already bought tickets to wait to be contacted by the company’s Reservations Service Centre which will inform on the updates regarding rescheduled flights.
“We want to emphasize that if your flight is cancelled, there is no need for you to head to the airport until we have contacted you with information about your new flight date and time,” the airline stated.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to resolve these unexpected challenges and provide the necessary support to our affected customers,” they added.
Fortunately on Tuesday, August 22nd, the airline announced that its domestic and international operations have returned to regular schedules.
Prior to this, it was reported on Monday, August 21st that the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago took action
amid the ‘sickout’ granting an ex parte injunction to the state-owned Caribbean Airlines.
It was granted against the Trinidad and Tobago Airlines Pilots Association (TTALPA), which prevents its president, executive members as well as their servants or agents from “taking or continuing to take and/or participating howsoever in industrial action within the meaning of the Industrial Relations Act…including calling in sick en masse.”
I’m addition, the court also issued a order that TTALPA direct “forthwith” to instruct or direct CAL workers who are its members to “immediately report for duty as rostered and as they are required to do in the normal course of their employment.”
The court informed that it’s ruling should be followed “until further order,” adding that the application for the injunction “be returnable on the 28th day of September 2023, at the hour of 9:30”.
In continuation, the order comes with a warning, a penal clause highlighting that if the TTALPA members should act against the order, they will be liable to the process of execution for the purpose of compelling you to obey…”
The true nature of what transpired within the airline is not yet confirmed. Local media reports expressed that the employees of the airline had taken Industrial action after wage negotiations crumbled.
In response the TTALPA denied the reported sickout or industrial action informing that it was “unaware of any strike action being taken by the pilot body”.
In fact the association even referred to Section 67(2) of the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01, which read that the pilot body and its members are forbidden to take such industrial action since any employer or worker engaged in an essential service is barred from taking industrial action. Considering this, the association informed the public that its members continue to do their job, fly, with their safety and best interests at heart”.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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