Fiji: Air traffic controllers urged to return to work March 22 /update 1

Event

Fiji Airports Limited, which manages both of Fiji's international airports in Nadi (Western division) and Nausori (Central division), urged air traffic controllers to return to work from their coordinated leave on Friday, March 22. Fiji Airports Limited reported that some controllers returned to work on March 22 and that others say they will also return soon. The company cautioned that they would have to issue disciplinary letters should controllers refuse to return to work.

Flight delays and cancelations are to be expected in Fiji during and immediately following the work stoppage. Additional strike actions by air traffic controllers and consequent flight disruptions are possible over the coming days and weeks if their demands are not met.

Context

Air traffic controllers took unscheduled leave beginning on March 18, demanding higher pay and better working conditions. Their protest has prompted safety concerns due to overworking of remaining on-duty personnel.

On March 20, the Employment Ministry declared that the air traffic controllers' taking of unscheduled leave was unlawful because no notice of a secret ballot was provided to the Registrar of Trade Unions for a strike mandate.

Advice

Individuals flying via Fijian airports are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for flight disruptions, confirm flight reservations before departing for the airport, and contact their airline for more information.