Fiji ATC "strike"

[av8boy]

OK, I've read that our friends in Fiji are on strike, but then another source says it's not a strike. Apparently a disruption in AT services (with nasty rumors about), but I'm not seeing a NOTAM with even a hint of a problem. Anybody got actual info?

Dave

[Haren]

Not really a strike as Nadi International plus the other aerodromes were fully operational with minimum staffing. According to their ruling bodies the definition of a strike involves the whole stopage of air traffic control.

The union representing the local controllers stood upto management of SASL who were a body contracted to take care of ATC for the following reasons...

1.Over 7 years of no super
2.Nil overtime paid
3.No payrise in over 5 years
4.controllers were on salaries such as FJD$7000p.a!!!
5.Minimum sick leave
6.Max hours of work
7.Nil compensation
List goes on with due reason for a controller to be stressed enough where the safety of an aircraft comes into question. Most controllers were infact sick and stressed due to the lack of management and required rest periods. Take into account that Fiji airspace is becoming busy with no radar or surveillance. International traffic is 24hrs overflying the south pacific as well.

There is a lot more to this than meets the eye. Controllers are now working for the original company AFL and have been granted all their requests. Happy controllers...happy airspace...happy pilots...safe flying!!

[av8boy]

Thanks for the update Haren.

Dave