Newly formed union to address issues of department staff

The newly formed Air Traffic Management Union positions itself as working with, not against, the employer while focusing on safety and recognition, which differentiates it from typical labour narratives.

The union, which represents Air Traffic Management staff at Fiji Airports Ltd, held its first Annual General Meeting at the Tanoa International Hotel in Votualevu, Nadi, on Saturday.

President Ravneel Nitesh Singh said the Union has vowed to address issues affecting staff in its department.

He said the members were part of a department within Fiji Airports that manages Fiji’s six million square nautical miles of airspace.

He said the department comprised highly specialised individuals.

“It is often difficult for people to understand what we do. That is where the union comes in, to help address the issues,” Mr Singh said.

“Unions are usually seen as a big no-no, especially by employers. This union has taken a different direction.”

He said the union would work in harmony with the company to resolve issues, improve airspace safety, and ensure staff receive the recognition they deserve.

He acknowledged the 108 staff in the workforce, noting that just over 50 were eligible to vote.

The union was registered on May 19 last year and has since organised its first official AGM, where a team was elected to lead the union for the next two years.

“To our members, best wishes for the job you do to keep the skies safe. We look forward to working together with the company to ensure aircraft move safely from gate to gate,” Mr Singh said.

The election was conducted under the supervision of officials from the Fiji Elections Office.