Airline staff planning walkout announced
The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) has announced a strike by around 60 cabin crew members at Sata Air Açores, effective from July 18 to July 24, 2025. The strike is aimed at addressing concerns over pay, working conditions, and institutional respect, particularly regarding the aging Dash 200 aircraft[1].
The union's demands include pay raises aligned with other employees in the airline group, improved working conditions, and greater respect for existing labor agreements. The issues related to the Dash 200 planes, described as "very old" and causing "immense problems" for the company and the work itself, are a significant focus of the union's concerns[1].
Union leader Ricardo Penarróias has requested that Sata Air Açores manage the Dash 200 planes more appropriately, suggesting reducing flight times and improving working conditions. He alleges that the company has been undervaluing the crew members and believes that they should receive the same conditions as other workers in the group[1].
Working conditions on the Dash 200 planes are considered terrible, with issues of noise and unbearable heat. The union leader believes that the company is slow to find alternative solutions and materials to improve these conditions[1].
In response to the strike notice, the source from the SATA group press office confirmed receipt of the notice but did not disclose whether the company is willing to negotiate with the union[1]. The ongoing strikes are affecting all domestic inter-island flights in the Azores.
The SNPVAC’s demands reflect broader problems in the Portuguese aviation sector, including low pay below national minimum wage levels for some personnel and poor working conditions involving long and unsocial hours[1]. The union president considers the negotiated agreement and the proposal presented as "below expectations" and unable to "bridge the gap that has existed over the years with other professional classes."
[1] Source: SNPVAC press release, July 15, 2025.
- The union's demands, such as pay raises, improved working conditions, and greater respect for labor agreements, are not limited to Sata Air Açores but may have broader implications for the entire Portuguese aviation industry.
- In light of the strike and the ongoing issues in the aviation sector, Finance and Transportation industries may potentially face significant challenges due to the disruption in domestic inter-island flights in the Azores.
