Sun, Apr 04, 2004
Government Forced To Hire Emergency Controllers From Mexico,
Chile
by ANN Correspondent Juan Jimenez
An air traffic
controllers strike in the Dominican Republic has placed a
stranglehold on that country's aviation industry, causing massive
delays and multiple outright cancellations of all types of
aircraft, including national and international flights of both
passenger and cargo types.
The strike, which began March 31 over pay, working conditions
and benefits, and which appears to be timed to coincide with the
upcoming elections in May, has forced the government to take
drastic measures to restore the country's aviation system. The
latest reports indicate that among other issues, the controllers
are asking for a 100% salary increase. In a relatively common labor
practice close to national elections, the controllers are hoping
that exerting pressure at this time will force the government to
accept their demands, rather than see the tourism and other
industries severely affected.
Initially, the
country's military controllers were drafted into service to try to
alleviate the backlog of flights. However, this measure has not
produced the desired results, and the effort was escalated to an
emergency order giving the country's civil aeronautical authorities
permission to hire Spanish-speaking controllers from Mexico and
Chile to restore the system to a semblance of normalcy. Reports
from various sources indicate that virtually all cargo traffic out
of major airports has come to a standstill, and international
flights were being delayed a minimum of two hours. In some case,
much longer delays were common during the day.
The director of the Civil Aeronautical agency, Mr. Carlos
Alvarez, has assumed control of the Las Americas ATC center, as
well as the control towers of the major port of entry airports. The
ATC center remains under heavy armed guard, and only authorized
personnel are allowed access to the facility.
There have also been unconfirmed reports that a number pilots of
national air carriers have also staged work stoppages in solidarity
with the striking air traffic controllers.
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