The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority is reporting that normal operations have resumed at the Providenciales Airport after a disruption allegedly caused by disgruntled fire fighters, who decided to stage strike action due salary increase disparity.
"The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority announces the resumption of flight operations at Providenciales International Airport. The Airports Authority remains committed to the safety of aircraft, passengers, staff and other users of the airport. We regret any inconvenience caused," a statement from the Airports Authority stated a short while ago.
A source told NewslineTCI that the strike was as a result of what some fire fighters deem the unevenness in salary increase for which they have been lobbying government.
According to the source, the firefighters asked for an across-the-board increase, but when it was given it is alleged that some workers got as high as 40 percent, while others were in single digit.
"This Strike was strategic," the source said. "They waited for the busiest day to carryout the strike, because we are expecting up to 30 flights today, so you know we will be extremely busy today."
An earlier statement from the Airports Authority said technical issue would temporarily halt outgoing and inbound air traffic, and work was being done to rectify the problem as soon as possible.