Unannounced work stoppage initiated by SATA Air Azores flight attendant staff
SATA Air Açores, an Azorean airline, announced that a strike by its cabin crew, scheduled for July 18 to 24, has been called off following an agreement reached between management and union representatives. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) represented the cabin crew members involved in the dispute.
The agreement, which addresses concerns related to career progression and improvement of on-board air conditioning, includes several key concessions. The union initially sought a 2% salary increase to achieve parity with some other workers in the SATA group. However, the agreement provided a 1% career advancement for the cabin crew, which was deemed acceptable alongside other benefits.
The company has committed to improving working conditions on the DashQ200 aircraft, which had been criticized for high temperatures and other "inhuman conditions" for cabin crew. Additionally, the agreement includes improvements to operational rules and a new financial pay model, negotiated for all navigational personnel, including both SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines crew members and pilots.
Ricardo Penarroias, the union representative, stated that while the negotiated agreement and proposal are below expectations, it is a step in the right direction. He emphasized that the cabin crew demands the same conditions as other workers in the company. Penarroias lamented that the company has devalued the cabin crew of SATA Air Açores over the years.
The transport company has reaffirmed its commitment to improving working conditions for its employees. They thanked passengers and partners for their understanding during the period of uncertainty. The decision to call off the strike comes at a critical phase of the year, marked by high tourist demand and strong mobility between the nine islands of the Azorean archipelago.
The calling off of the strike will allow for the regularization of inter-island connections, ensuring the prospect of maintaining the regularity of inter-island air operations. SATA Air Açores announced that this positive outcome allows for the prospect of maintaining the regularity of inter-island air operations. The airline thanked passengers and partners for their understanding during the period of uncertainty.
With the strike averted, the improved air conditions on DashQ200 aircraft and new financial pay model will likely boost morale in the transportation sector, potentially impacting positively on SATA Air Açores' operations. As sports often reflect society's conditions, we may hope that this resolution fosters a more harmonious work environment, mirroring the camaraderie and unity seen on athletic fields.
