KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda, has strongly condemned the strike action taken by air traffic controllers in their dispute with the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA).

In a brief statement Thursday, the minister noted that their dispute is currently pending before the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) and “is being addressed therein”.

The minister noted that reports have been circulating that the air traffic controllers are at work, but are not carrying out their normal duties.

READ: Air traffic controllers walk off the job

“I am encouraging the Tribunal to take the appropriate steps to ensure normalcy is returned to the country’s airports,” he said.

Minister with responsibility for Information Robert Morgan said Thursday that air traffic controllers took industrial action over concerns about a reclassification exercise. The parties are currently meeting at the offices of the JCAA in an effort to settle the disputes.

Tourism industry sources say that at least 12,000 expected visits from abroad will be affected by Thursday’s actions.

“We are sure that a number flights will be affected and we have in excess of 10,000 to 12,000 people who will be affected if the disruption continues throughout the day,” Ministry of Tourism strategist, Delano Seivewright, said.

The strike follows similar action taken by National Water Commission (NWC) workers, which started Tuesday and ended Wednesday night, and precedes threats by the Jamaica Civil Service Association(JCSA) to start protest action over similar issues at any time now.