One traffic controller returns to work

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The Nadi Airport departures terminal. Picture: FT FILE

ONE air traffic controller has returned to work.

This was confirmed by the spokesman of the 33 air traffic management staff members, Kolokesa Kini.

He said out of the main air traffic controllers for Fiji Airports, only one officer had returned to work while 84 per cent had remained at home.

While responding to a statement from Fiji Airports, Mr Kini reiterated that they were not encouraging anyone to stay away from their workplace.

“We want to make it very clear that people are free to go back to work,” he said.

“But we will continue to engage in discussions with the relevant authorities to sort out these issues that we have been pursuing over the last two to three years.”

In a statement yesterday, Fiji Airports communications and public relations manager Christopher Chand confirmed the return of a few workers and continued to urge those still at home to resume their duties.

“On Wednesday 20 March, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations deemed and declared the act by many of our controllers taking co-ordinated leave an unlawful strike,” he said.

“To abide by the law, the controllers on strike need to return to work.

“We have since written to each and every controller advising them of the meaning and effect of the minister’s order.

“We have welcomed them back with open arms, particularly looking forward to discussing the pay issues they raised on Monday and Tuesday with a view to reaching a fair and equitable outcome.

“Where we could make personal contact, we have personally advised our controllers.

“We are glad to see a couple of our controllers returning to work today. Many others have advised that they will return.” He reiterated that the employment engagement was between the employer and the employee.

“Therefore, at all times during the employment engagement, we attempt to resolve issues among ourselves in a lawful manner.”

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