Air traffic controllers union announce strike

Australian air traffic controllers union Civil Air announced on 22 January 2009 that a nationwide strike is likely to occur after talks broke down with government management. The union has been involved in an eight-month-long contract dispute with the Airservices government agency over a new salary deal. Union leaders have urged members to approve an industrial action to force management to resume negotiations with the air traffic controllers. A prolonged strike could have a significant affect on air travel throughout Australia, as many airport facilities are already experiencing disruptions because of a shortage of air traffic controllers. According to union representatives, industrial actions and rolling stoppages will begin following a union ballot on 11 February.