27/08/2018
🇪🇹: Air Traffic Controllers strike to continue tomorrow
ECAA ( Ethiopia Civil Aviation Authority) and Ethiopian Airlines are jeopardizing air safety within Ethiopia airspace, by activating retiree and unrated Air Traffic Controllers as well as foreigners.
For years, Ethiopian Air Traffic Controllers have been demanding fair treatment for their profession. Yet, many years on, there have been no concrete improvements in pay or working conditions for any Ethiopian air traffic controllers.
Today, august 27th , they have decided to hold on a strike to raise attention of authorities. The only thing they want is “job recognition and payment they deserve”
Rather than engaging constructively with its key workforce, ECAA, instead, with the full support of Ethiopian airlines have activated the contingency plan by arming positions with retired air traffic controllers and unrated controllers. Furthermore, they threatened jobs in an irresponsible and immature approach.
Local media report that contacts have been established with Zimbabwe and Malawi to supply Addis Abeba with Air Traffic controllers. Similar action had been undertaken in Sudan by Ethiopian Airlines. Unfortunately, Sudan ATC Guild stands in solidarity with their mates. “we strongly refused their request, and we told them that we are not going to send any controller to work at Addis airport” Fakhreldin Bashir, President of SATCA said in statement released this morning.
Ethiopian air traffic controllers never wanted to be pain to their country or any airline operator. They are useful personnels and proud of the great contribution they put foreward for the success aviation industry has enjoyed.ECAA’s management must understand the social responsibilities it bears to its workforce.
To recall that, Air Traffic Controller in Ethiopia earns $185. After 08 years’ experience, an Air traffic controller reaches a miserable salary of $390 with an annual increase of $10-$15. While for instance, they manage more than 300 landing & departure aircraft excluding overflights at Bole, Addis Abeba airport, the thirst busiest airport in Africa.
ATC community must support this lawful industrial action in an effort to win a fair deal for Ethiopian Air Controllers.
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