WORLD IN BRIEF : SOVIET UNION : Air Controllers Call Off Strike

Air controllers called off a walkout after reaching a last-minute agreement with the government. The Soviet Air Traffic Controllers’ Trade Union said it reserves the right to resume strike plans if the government reneges on its promises. The walkout would have crippled Soviet air traffic. A union representing 57,000 pilots for Aeroflot, the national airline, had threatened to join the strike if its demands, similar to those of the controllers, were not met. The controllers won a 50% boost in pay, a reduction in the retirement age and more annual vacation time.