Air Traffic Control Union goes on strike, minimum work process secured

The Air Traffic Control Union (SKL) has officially gone on strike, which, according to the announcement, will last until September 30, announced the Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services Agency (SMATSA). The main request of SKL, as said, pertains to an urgent and considerable salary increase for certain employee categories. The average salary of an air traffic controller at SMATSA d.o.o. allegedly amounts to around EUR 7,000.

– This unanimous decision directly harms the operations of airline companies, makes traffic more difficult and generates additional costs for airline companies, while seriously hampering for passengers and other users of air traffic the possibility of realizing their plans – the press release points out and adds that both the SMATSA and the institutions of the founder-states are suffering great material and reputational damage.

The strike has not begun in the organizational units in the territory of Montenegro.

– The decision of the Assembly of SKL on going on strike in the organizational units in the territory of Montenegro is unlawful, because it was made by a union that is not registered in the territory of Montenegro. By making such a decision, the Assembly of SKL has exposed the employees at the Podgorica Terminal and Airport Air Traffic Control and the Tivat Airport Air Traffic Control to the danger of potential consequences of carrying out activities which are counter to Montenegro’s regulations – says the SMATSA.

It is announced that the management of the SMATSA, as an employer whose activity is of public interest, is taking all the necessary measures to preserve the safety and efficiency of air traffic. In accordance with the law, the Decision on the Minimum Work Process applies, so that the consequences of the strike would be reduced to the minimum, it is said.

– The SMATSA management believes that the strike is irrational, unfounded and harmful to all the participants in air traffic, and even to all the employees at the company – says the SMATSA, which claims that it remains dedicated to dialogue, protection of public interest and maintenance of air traffic safety and stability.

Kontrola letenja Srbije i Crne Gore SMATSA d.o.o. Beograd

Air Traffic Control Union

Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services Agency

SMATSA

Air Traffic Control Union strike