Antigua air traffic controllers meet with Prime Minister

PM Bird meeting with Antigua's air traffic controllers
(Photo: Norman 'Gus' Thomas)

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: Prime Minister Lester Bird, met Tuesday with a delegation of air traffic controllers at his office where discussions on a number of issues in relation to their work and working conditions were discussed. 

Mr. Bird called for the meeting following industrial action last week which led to the closure of the country's lone airport, leaving thousands of passengers stranded for just a little over 36 hours.

A spokesman for the air traffic controllers said their action was taken to protest the lateness of their October salaries and the inconvenience caused by a non-functioning elevator, which was reportedly out of commission for over 16 months.

In his regular Saturday night broadcast to the nation, Prime Minister Bird said he fully understood the grievances of the air traffic controllers, noting that "Real and urgent grievances should have been given real and urgent attention."

Saying that he wanted to get a clear understanding of their concerns, Mr. Bird listened as the air traffic controllers spoke of their grievances, which included the non-functioning elevator, the commissioning of a radar system which includes the retraining of officers and several other work-related matters. 

Prime Minister Bird told the air traffic controllers that it was clear to him that they took great pride in their work and assured them that everything will be done to provide them with the best working environment possible. 

He apologised for the late payment of salaries noting that this will be a thing of the past and called for the formation of a special committee that will include the Director of Public Works to expedite matters and insisted that a number of the concerns expressed by the air traffic controllers be dealt with immediately. Mr. Bird also supported a suggestion from the air traffic controllers that the committee report regularly to them in an effort to keep them abreast of developments.

Describing the two and a half hour meeting as successful, the air traffic controllers thanked Mr. Bird for having the audience with them and for "coming through" on his promise to have them paid as quickly as possible. Prime Minister Bird announced on Tuesday that all public servants salaries and wages were now up to date.

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version