A proposal for five independent strikes was approved by a large majority among air traffic controllers at a meeting yesterday morning, MBL reported. The results of the referendum were presented to members of the Association of Icelandic Air Traffic Controllers last night, according to Arnar Hjálmsson, chairman of the association.
The main disputes are not about wage items but about working hours and retirement age. “Duty and working hours have been our biggest demand and emphasis since the release of contracts,” says Arnar.
He attended a conciliation meeting in the wage dispute between air traffic controllers and the Confederation of Icelandic Employers, who negotiate on behalf of Isavia. The meeting went well, but negotiations are progressing slowly. “These are small chicken steps and are slower than we would have liked,” says Arnar.
Each work stoppage will last for five hours at a time and must be announced at least one week in advance.
