STRIKE IMMINENT AT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN SURINAME?

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000477

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR - Jackie Rosholt

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ELAB PGOV NS
SUBJECT: STRIKE IMMINENT AT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN SURINAME?


1. (U) Union officials, representing airport workers, have
threatened to force the suspension of all flight operations at the
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (also know as Zanderij
Airport) if the Government of Suriname (GOS) does not meet the
demands of the workers' union by midnight tonight, September 7.
Fire, security, and other airport personnel staged an unofficial
strike on September 6, protesting that they do not have a new
collective bargaining agreement. The union, headed by Lloyd Read, is
demanding a thirteen percent salary increase, a decision from the
GOS regarding the title to the land the airport is built on, and
proposals for new airport tax tariffs.


2. (U) When President Venetiaan was asked to comment on the strike
during a press conference this morning, September 7, he waved away
journalists' concerns. Minister Richel Apinsa of Transport,
Communication, and Tourism also seemed confident that the matter
would be resolved before the midnight ultimatum.


3. (U) COMMENT: Even though the President of the Union, Lloyd
Read, said that "the union is prepared to strike for a long time,"
there are doubts if there will be a strike at all. Union leader Read
and Director of Airport Management Alexander Imanuel are former
colleagues from another union at the national oil company, and are
likely working together to pressure the government on the land title
issue. Imanuel says banks are unwilling to give loans to Airport
Management (the semi-autonomous airport authority under the Ministry
of Transport, Communication, and Tourism) as long as the issue
regarding ownership of the land has not been resolved; Airport
Management needs these loans for further investments in
infrastructure and security at the airport. Hence, Read's proposed
strike is more likely directed at the government than at Airport
Management--and at the public, as an awareness raising tool. If
Read actually goes through with the strike, it hurts Imanuel--and
would anger the public, who are aware of air traffic's importance in
Suriname's international reputation. Hence, the strike threat, a
common ploy in Suriname, is likely a bluff. END COMMENT

Genton