Irish Air Traffic Controllers Go On Strike
Filed under: Aviation News
So what happens to all the airplanes in the sky and on the ground when air traffic controllers decide to go on strike? According to the Irish Aviation Authority, disruption and delays occur.
The IAA said that there are staffing shortages and their current air traffic controllers are over worked. My guess is that they are probably under paid. IAA reports that they are refusing to work overtime hours to accommodate Aer Lingus, Aer Arann and Ryanair airlines. The strike and refusal to work affects flights in and out of Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.
From a passenger perspective, it would seem to be a stressful time to fly. I would be angered by the delays, but most importantly, I would question my own safety in the air.
ATC has a stressful enough job as it is. As a passenger the thought flying during a time when ATC is stressed, overworked and possibly disgruntle makes me nervous.
According to an article found on Ireland.com, “Further talks are scheduled to take place at the Labour Relations Commission next Tuesday between the IAA and the Impact union, which represents the air traffic controllers.”
That is all fine and dandy, but in my opinion this isn’t very good press for IAA. To me, I would expect stability from ATC and putting my life in the hands of a stressed out and overworked controller is something I am just not very comfortable with.
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