Guyana fires striking air traffic controllers

Guyana has fired air traffic controllers whose strike has limited flights in and out of the South American country to daylight hours.

Transport Minister Robeson Benn says dismissal letters have been sent to all 15 controllers who walked off the job last week to press for pay increases.

Benn said Thursday that the government is advertising for replacements. A new group of controllers is training but not expected to be ready before April.

Union leaders say they are likely to file a lawsuit challenging the government's authority to fire the airport workers.

Since the strike began Friday night, flights have been limited to daytime as the airport relies on a skeleton crew of senior staff.