Flights in and out of West and Central African countries were grounded on Friday due to a strike by air traffic controllers, under the aegis of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA).
According to Reuters, the development affected passengers travelling to Europe, the United States (US) and across the African continent.
Staff at ASECNA, which regulates air traffic control across 18 countries, downed their tools to demand better working conditions and salaries.
Ceubah Guelpina, ASECNA’s head of human resources, was quoted as saying the air traffic controllers commenced the strike as they had exhausted all other options.
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“In spite of the prohibition of the strike by all the courts … the Union of Air Traffic Controllers’ Unions (USYCAA) has launched a wildcat strike,” he said.
“We have already exhausted both administrative and institutional remedies in the management of this crisis, but we have in front of us trade unionists who are stubborn to do whatever they want.”
The USYCAA union said that its members would cease providing services to all but “sensitive” flights until their demands are satisfied.
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