End in sight for airport dispute

An industrial dispute between air traffic controllers at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) and the government is nearing a resolution.
The workers’ bargaining agent – the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) – on Friday announced that the standoff over the upgrade and appointment of air traffic control cadets as air traffic control officers grade 2, is anticipated to end by next Friday.
“This matter would have caused some unrest among the workers, and the union was mandated to ensure that it continued to vigorously pursue this matter. We are pleased to announce that in communication with the Ministry of the Public Service, they informed us of the progress made thus far,” said Deputy General Secretary of the NUPW Wayne Walrond in a pre-recorded audio sent to Barbados TODAY.
“We wish to commend the Ministry of the Public Service for the significant work and the urgency they would have attached to this matter in getting it advanced to a stage of appointments being processed,” Walrond added.
“The matter is now to go before the Cabinet and we look forward to having it concluded by March 31,” he stated.
The union executive official recalled meeting on March 11 with the air traffic control officers to update them on the appointment and upgrade of the 25 cadets.
The air traffic control tower has direct responsibility for managing, handling, takeoffs, and all movement within the airport terminal control area.
(EJ)