Unions ready to save BWIA T'dad Guardian While the unions for BWIA have assured airline CEO, Conrad Aleong of their commitment to save the airline, they also expressed some concerns.In a release yesterday, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association, Captain Edward Goddard said pilots voiced concerns about Aleong's recent statements. "We are asking for the opportunity to examine the total remedial action, as this could allow them to make recommendations for cost containment in all areas of the airline's operations. We cannot operate in a vacuum. "For us to participate meaningfully, we must know how other areas will be addressed. We are committed to saving the airline, so we want to be sure that we are not just putting plaster on a cancer," said Goddard. Serious financial problems which Aleong mentioned might have a damaging effect on public confidence in the airline, Goddard added.President of the Aviation and Communication Workers Union (ACAWU), Christopher Abraham also wrote a letter to Aleong, asking for further particulars on the concessions. Talpa is also asking for more details on the action plan of the company to save US$1 million.Abraham said the unions were expected to meet with workers yesterday evening to inform them of the letters and listen to concerns.Talpa was concerned with the need for assurance that cost savings measures do not impact negatively on the airline's competitiveness and revenue earning capability.This, Goddard said, could eventually result in an increased deficit for the airline.Goddard also said the strategies proposed by the management of the airline for the pilots have been in the works since 1998 and they are yet to be implemented. He said this may mean the strategies need to be re-examined.The pilots are also concerned the integrity of the airline is in jeopardy.Talpa and ACAWU will back the airline as long as these concerns are addressed said the union heads. The owner of Roger's Trinbago Site: Roj (Roger James) *************************************************** escape email mailto:ejames@escape.ca Trinbago site: http://www.tntisland.com CBC Website http://www.tntisland.com/caribbeanbrassconnection/ The Trinbago Site of the Week: (ReadyMix) http://www.readymix.co.tt/ (ReadyMix Cement Ltd) courtesy of Roj Trinbago Website & TnT Web Directory Roj's Trinbago Website: http://www.tntisland.com TnT Web Directory: http://search.co.tt *********************************************************