Union urges govt to raise air traffic controllers’ pay, recognise specialist skills

Acting general secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Wayne Walrond. (Photo Credit: File photo) An urgent pay increase and national recognition for air traffic controllers are needed to prevent the country from losing skilled aviation workers overseas, the island’s largest public sector union has warned. Acting general secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Wayne Walrond, said on Tuesday that air traffic controllers should be better compensated for their specialist work in a highly sensitive role that directly affects the safe landing and take-off of aircraft carrying thousands of passengers each day. “More national recognition for the controllers and the grade of pay,” Walrond told Barbados TODAY in an interview. “When you even compare the Caribbean…there are parts of the Caribbean where air traffic controllers are paid between $8 000 and $10 000 a month or more. Barbados air traffic controllers are not recognised at that level.” He urged the government to remember that the profession was competitive, warning that Barbados could lose air traffic controllers to other jurisdictions offering more favourable terms and conditions of employment. “These guys’ skills could be sought after globally, because, globally, there is a challenge with the adequate level of air traffic controllers. So, they need more recognition; they need to be properly paid. In a civil service structure, they are going to be key to a salary range that is existing within the civil service structure. “But they need to be recognised for the skillset they offer to the importance of the country, international aviation standards, making sure we are compliant with this process.” You Might Be Interested In He continued: “We would really like the government to give appropriate recognition to the skillset of these officers; and as I said, when you look at other jurisdictions across the Caribbean, air traffic controllers are paid a much more improved remuneration than they get in Barbados. So, if they get $5 000 in Barbados, abroad they can get over $10 000 a month for being an air traffic controller.” Walrond said air traffic controllers were integral to Barbados’ tourism, although their role was often overlooked in discussions about the industry. “Air traffic controllers have to satisfy international standards, so it’s a very important part. People talk about tourism. When people talk about tourism, they look at the hoteliers and promoters in the whole scheme of things, and maybe the side people like the ancillary businesses that get spin-off from tourism; but they never think about the necessary air traffic controllers and that these guys are the ones who can lift and land planes by the skills they use. “A pilot cannot land a plane unless he gets clearance from the tower or take off if he doesn’t get clearance from the tower.” He continued: “If you have 200 people in one plane, that air traffic controller has 200 people at his disposal in terms of responsibility…the lives of people in his hands every day. They have a very important job. “So, when you leave Barbados, you take it for granted; you see a plane take off, you probably don’t give much thought to what happened…the technical people in the tower that give direction.” The union official also highlighted the role of aeronautical information service officers, who maintain operational timing from sunrise to sunset to ensure information passed by agencies is authentic. They work to ensure safety, regularity and efficiency.