Strike paralyzes Suriname airport

AP

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PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) – A strike by Surinamese air traffic controllers has forced authorities to reschedule flights and caused air traffic jams during the busy holiday season, officials said Saturday.

Planes can only land or take off at the Paramaribo–Zanderij International Airport between 4 p.m. and midnight, when a handful of controllers who did not join the protest are working, said Air Traffic Control Director Kenneth Dors.

The Suriname Air Traffic Controllers Association went on strike a week ago, demanding higher wages and a new system to record verbal communications because the old one has been in disrepair for several years.

Controllers are paid a US$7 (?5) monthly stipend as part of their salary, but are requesting US$73 (?50) a month. Union leaders have refused the government’s offer of US$36 (?24.50).