"Guatemala fires striking controllers, reopens airport"

Friday, January 14, 2005

Guatemala fires striking controllers, reopens airport
The Associated Press


GUATEMALA CITY - The country's main international airport reopened on
Thursday after the government fired striking controllers and brought in
foreigners to oversee air traffic.

Civil Aeronautics Director Jose Presa Abascal said the use of controllers
from Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador was "a temporary measure while we
organize and contract local controllers."

Five of the 80 controllers who went on strike Tuesday night were detained
Thursday on charges of having abandoned their duties. Their attorneys told
broadcasters that the charge was invalid because they had been working
without a contract since the start of the year.

The Civil Aeronautics Department estimated losses at about US$9 million
(euro6.8 million) because of lost flights, uncollected travel taxes and
perishable goods that could not be shipped.

The walkout forced 25 flights to land at other airports and 25 other flights
were grounded in Guatemala City.

Presa Abascal said the controllers wanted a raise of 5,000 quetzales
(US$625, euro475) a month. But Roberto Giron, the controllers' spokesman,
said they only wanted to be considered full-time staff members with full
benefits, as opposed to contract workers.

Controllers earn between US$625 to US$2,185 (euro1,663) a month, Presa
Abascal said.


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