Cabo Verde Strike Impacts Flights

The cabin crew strike in Cape Verde is disrupting the travel plans of over 1,000 passengers, affecting domestic flights on both Thursday and Friday.

Américo Borges, General Director of Bestfly, announced this in an interview. He noted Bestfly’s efforts to reschedule disrupted flights within days.

Borges hopes to normalize operations by Sunday.

Five of 14 flights for today and four of 10 for Thursday will operate under minimum services.

A medical transfer from Boa Vista to Praia will also proceed. Borges expressed concern about unionized workers not attending minimum services.

He views this as a law violation and disrespect to public service.

The union’s main demand is related to a lack of onboard accident insurance, such as for luggage issues.

However, Borges assures that Bestfly complies with all insurance requirements. He refuted the union’s accusations of moral harassment and other alleged violations.

Despite attempts at dialogue, the union perceived these efforts as harassment.

Negotiations between Bestfly and SACAR faced challenges. Only four of 16 strike notice points were discussed.

SACAR ended talks abruptly without countering Bestfly’s proposed solutions. Bestfly recognizes the Directorate-General of Labor’s mediation efforts.

Unfortunately, they could not reach an agreement due to SACAR’s reluctance for a consensus. This situation is critical for effectively serving Cape Verde and its people.

Background

This strike is part of a broader trend of labor disputes in the aviation industry. Strikes often result from unresolved issues between staff and management.

In Cape Verde, the aviation sector is vital for connecting its islands and supporting tourism. Thus, strikes can significantly impact the local economy and mobility.

Historically, the aviation industry worldwide has seen similar disputes. These often revolve around working conditions, pay, and safety concerns.

The response of Bestfly reflects a common approach of airlines to maintain essential services. This approach balances operational needs with employees’ grievances.