Khan says the doors are open to have discussions with the air traffic controllers

The Fiji Public Service Association which is representing the 32 air traffic controllers who have not turned up to work at Fiji Airports, is today saying that the controllers are not on strike although the Employment Minister Parveen Bala has declared the strike unlawful.

Bala declared the strike unlawful last night.

Employment Minister Parveen Bala

General Secretary Rajeshwar Singh says that the workers have a protest after a salary dispute and the talks broke down with Fiji Airports on Tuesday afternoon.

Singh says the workers are on leave including family leave.

He says there is a similar dispute through the Arbitration Court and the court has referred that dispute to the Employment Minister.

The FPSA General Secretary says that dispute under the Compulsory Conference is with the Minister.

Singh says they agreed last night to deal with the dispute and it includes the claims by the air traffic controllers.

FPSA General Secretary Rajeshwar Singh

The parties will meet with Bala later today to try to resolve the impasse.

He says only 5 out of the 37 air traffic controllers are at work.

Meanwhile Fiji Airports Executive Chairman Faiz Khan says the doors are open to have discussions with the air traffic controllers.

Khan says they have taken note of the order of the Minister but will not be making any media comments on it at the present time.

Fiji Airports Executive Chairman Faiz Khan

He says over the last couple of days Fiji Airports has held a number of meetings with their controllers, and thank them for their participation.

Khan says as part of Fiji Airports culture they have at all times held that their doors are open to their controllers for dialogue and discussions.

Khan says they look forward to working together with the air traffic controllers, and having further discussions to hear any issues that their controllers have with a view to fair and equitable resolution.