AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS SET TO STRIKE FOR 3 DAYS

Air traffic controllers in several Papua New Guinea cities may launch a strike at 1606 local time on 16 October 2009 that will last until 19 October. Controllers in Port Moresby, Nadzab, Mt Hagen, Goroka and Tokua (Rabaul) warned about their strike plans after a meeting on 14 October, demanding concessions from their employer, PNG Air Services Ltd (PNGASL), on several issues. If the strike takes place as planned, up to 100 domestic and international flights to and from Papua New Guinea as well as fly-over traffic, could be impacted. The workers are also planning a sit-in protest when they return to work, but it is unclear how this would impact flights.