Safety concerns in Fiji as aviation controllers protest over pay

There are safety concerns in Fiji after reports of a mass walk out by air traffic controllers at the country's international airports.

Islands Business Magazine reported the majority of the country's air traffic controllers at both of Fiji's international airports have not been reporting to work since Monday this week.

A statement sent to the magazine from the protesting workers claimed around 80 percent of traffic control officers have taken various forms of leave in protest over pay and working conditions.

It said only five officers have remained at their posts and are working around the clock at the Nadi and Nausori airport towers. It said normally there are 17 officers on duty.

The disgruntled workers claim that Fiji Airports Ltd has deliberately misrepresented their progressive salaries based on promotion and career progression to make it look like they have received massive pay increases when in reality this is not the case.

They told Islands Business they have met three times this week with senior managers of Fiji Airports Limited including its executive chairman Faiz Khan.

Fiji Airports Ltd has yet to respond to requests for comments on the issue.