Air Traffic dispute threatens Barbados skies

Air traffic controllers and aeronautical information officers are embroiled in a growing industrial dispute, threatening to disrupt the island’s vital air navigation services. The
National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has sounded the alarm over “gross discontentment” among staff in this critical department.

Wayne Walrond, deputy general secretary of the NUPW, revealed that employees were pressing for resolution of a range of long-standing grievances. These include demands for pay upgrades, outstanding appointments, overdue acting allowances, and concerns about inadequate staffing levels. Additionally, workers are calling for a review of existing allowances and improvements to their physical working conditions and equipment.

“The NUPW cautions that the gross discontentment has given rise to industrial unrest and impresses on the relevant authorities to definitively address and satisfactorily resolve the grievances of officers of the air navigation services as a matter of urgency,” Walrond told Barbados TODAY.

The air navigation services department plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of international air transport to Barbados. As a member state of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the island is committed to upholding global aviation standards. The department, led by the director of civil aviation, oversees a wide range of critical functions, including air traffic services, navigation facilities, aircraft registration, and accident prevention.

While acknowledging that some issues may require time to resolve, Walrond noted that workers were particularly frustrated by unmet promises.

“Some of these matters have been [expressed] for more than a while, but I think they are getting a little restless. By now they thought that some of these matters, in which timelines were given, would have been resolved,” he explained.

Although Walrond did not indicate what form of industrial action the employees would pursue, the brewing unrest in such a vital sector raises concerns about potential disruptions to air travel and the broader impact on Barbados’ tourism-dependent economy. 

Barbados TODAY has reached out to Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill for comments. 

(EJ/SB)