Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The ongoing dispute surrounding a revised Collective Agreement between Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and the Trinidad and Tobago Air Line Pilots’ Association (TTALPA) for the 2015-2018 period has yet to be formally recognized as a trade dispute by the Ministry of Labour.
According to the Ministry, TTALPA first notified them of a breakdown in negotiations via a letter dated December 8th, 2021, received on December 9th, 2021. TTALPA’s proposals to CAL reportedly date back to October 24th, 2019.
However, the Ministry’s response on December 13th, 2021, highlighted that the reported breakdown fell outside the statutory six-month limitation period as per the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01. The Ministry specifically referenced Section 51 (3), which provides for an extension to report matters not initially filed within the legal timeframe.
The Ministry further clarified, citing an Industrial Court advisory from July 22nd, 1981, that Section 51 (3) applies to “interest” disputes, which involve the initial exchange of negotiation details between parties.
While TTALPA acknowledged the Ministry’s stance via email on December 13th, 2021, and subsequent communications occurred between the Ministry, TTALPA, and their consultant, Zatopek Solutions Inc., a critical step remains outstanding.
As of today, Monday, June 30, 2025, the Ministry of Labour confirms that neither CAL nor TTALPA has formally requested an extension under Section 51 (3) of the Act from the Minister. This crucial step is required for the proper reporting and recognition of a negotiation breakdown.
Consequently, the Ministry of Labour explicitly states that no formal trade dispute is currently under its official purview regarding the alleged breakdown in the 2015-2018 Collective Agreement negotiations.
Tobago Updates Television News
