by Sverre Ivar Elsbak
Chair, IFATCA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force (EDITF)
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), or EDI as we like to call it in IFATCA, is under attack. Brutal forces in the western hemisphere are spreading disinformation about EDI. The same forces are trying to spread more turmoil into an already chaotic world. They have made EDI political.
Human rights should never be made political. Neither should IFATCA. We are “the calm in the storm”, the eye in the hurricane. As ATCO’s, we thrive under pressure. Things we cannot influence or change, we do not waste our time and effort with. When we see a conflict we can resolve, we do it. Every time. All the time. We are air traffic controllers.
IFATCA inherently believes in equity, diversity and inclusion. We know it makes us stronger as an international organization. Our collaboration between member associations from all over the world, is proof that EDI works. IFATCA believes that all of our members should feel safe, seen, valued and included. Our members are IFATCA.
Equity is about fairness. It is recognizing that not everyone starts from the same place, and that some face systemic barriers that others do not. We want everyone to thrive and be the best version of themselves. As a result, IFATCA flourishes as well.
Going forward, we need to keep our focus on what EDI is. We need to raise awareness through education. As of now, this also means that we need to invest time in educating people on what EDI is not.
Diversity is not about selecting someone based on their gender or skin color simply to fill a quota. It is about representation. We acknowledge that many industries in the past, like aviation, have been dominated by certain groups. Diversity works to adjust that imbalance, and with that, make our industry even stronger.
EDI is not about selecting the “less qualified” person. The idea that ANSP’s and Airlines are selecting unqualified people to check a diversity box is absurd. Aviation standards are governed through the obtention of licenses and medical requirements. These are, and always will be, the only criteria by which people are chosen as air traffic controllers and pilots. Because there is such a thing as unconscious bias, employers may unknowingly select candidates based on them. EDI helps employers realize that the most qualified candidates do not necessarily fit into a specific pattern.
IFATCA will continue to raise awareness about equity, diversity and inclusion, through education of our members. EDI is fundamental in the way forward for IFATCA. Together we will navigate through these difficult and chaotic times, and make sure that all our members feels safe, seen, valued and included.
Remember, our members are IFATCA.