Flights to and from St Mary’s could be thrown into chaos next week as air traffic controllers go on strike.
The action is due to dissatisfaction with the results of a recent salary appraisal of all council employees by an external body.
Now three full-time air traffic controllers, backed by the Transport and General Workers Union, say they will strike if a resolution cannot be found before Tuesday.
The Council have been advised by the TGWU that a formal ballot comprising a single vote has indicated that the workers will take ongoing industrial action in pursuit of a better salary package.
But the Council say they must treat all staff equally and are bound by the results of the appraisals.
A statement released on Monday by Councillor Fred Ticehurst, Chair of the General Purposes Committee, read: ‘Unfortunately, it now appears that as a result of this strike action there could be unavoidable disruption to air travel to and from St Mary’s from the 15th August 2006.
“This is all the more regrettable since this is the busiest time of the year for everyone who is involved in providing for our summer visitors.?
A meeting, brokered by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) will take place on Monday in a last-minute attempt to find a resolution.