In a show of solidarity and resistance, the officers and employees of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have announced their decision to stage protests at airports across the country today. The unions have also initiated a movement to demand the removal of the current CAA Director-General (DG) in response to the federal government’s decision to outsource the management of three major airports.
Back in July, the CAA employees expressed their strong opposition to the outsourcing of Pakistan’s major airports. Led by the CAA’s union and officer association, a protest was held at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, where members and officers donned black bands to signify their opposition to the outsourcing. They firmly stated that they would not allow the airports to be outsourced under any circumstances.
The officer association has stated that outsourcing airports poses a significant threat to national security and defense. The federal government has recognized the concerns raised by the CAA’s officers and employee unions and has initiated talks with them. However, previous negotiations with the then Aviation Minister did not result in a satisfactory resolution.
These protests at airports across the country send a clear message that the employees of the CAA remain united in their stand against the outsourcing of airports. They believe that outsourcing compromises the integrity and security of the nation and are determined to protect the interests of the country and its citizens.
By organizing these protests, the CAA unions hope to draw attention to their cause and urge the government to reconsider its decision. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to this widespread display of discontent and whether it will lead to meaningful dialogue and a resolution to this issue.
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