Grenada Today - The National Newspaper of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

Regional carrier, Caribbean Star Airlines, owned by Texan billionaire Allen Stanford laid off 10 pilots last week Monday in what it said was a restructuring exercise.

According to a report published in Tuesday's edition of the Daily Observer newspaper in Antigua, the pilots were summoned to a meeting with management on Monday at which they were handed letters explaining their fate.

The pilots were asked to return all property belonging to the company, including their identification badges, security passes, uniforms, mobile phones and laptops.

The grounded airmen were also advised that they were not to return to their offices or the Caribbean Star offices without prior notification
It is also reported that there could be more layoffs in the near future. Among those who could be without jobs are flight attendants and customer service representatives.

A company statement said the decision was part of a reorganisation programme designed to improve efficiency and profitability, offer wide-ranging support and resources for employees and deliver world-class air travel to the Caribbean community.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer of Antigua has called on Stanford to return immediately to Antigua for discussion on the issue. Stanford is suspected of engaging in union busting tactics.