Aviation sector: unions denounce a social crisis and support the announced strike at ASECNA

The Inter-Union Alliance of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Workers has once again raised its voice to denounce the problems facing the platform. The unions condemn the deterioration of social dialogue in the aviation sector and announce their full support for the strike notice filed by ASECNA workers.

Comprising 13 unions and the SUTAAS, the inter-union group asserts that it is facing a critical situation in several structures within the sector. Its president, Cheikh Wade, pointed to the failure of authorities to honor commitments made following the National Conference on Public Transport and various meetings held with the Ministry of Land and Air Transport.

According to the union representatives, the agreements relating to the conduct of social dialogue, the monitoring of recommendations from consultations and the improvement of workers' conditions have remained without concrete follow-up.

The inter-union group denounces in particular the deterioration of working conditions, the recurring delays in the payment of certain allowances, as well as the lack of involvement of social partners in the dialogue mechanisms within the technical supervision.

Workers believe that this situation has serious consequences for the functioning of the sector, with a widespread loss of confidence, demotivation of teams, increasing social tensions and heightened risks to air safety.

Their main demands include the settlement of Air Senegal's debts to several sector structures, including ASECNA, ANACIM, AIBD-SA, 2AS and TSA, the securing of regular payment of the air safety compensation (ISA), as well as the strengthening of ANACIM's financial resources in accordance with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The unions are also demanding the abandonment of the 2AS subsidiary project, the financial autonomy of AIBD-SA, respect for workers' rights in certain contracts, and the opening of the capital of certain companies to workers in the sector.

Land issues also featured prominently in the discussions. Union representatives demanded the lifting of administrative restrictions on land already allocated to workers and the granting of a second plot of land in Mbour 4 to allow employees to live closer to their workplace, in accordance with ICAO recommendations.

The inter-union group also expressed its full and unwavering support for the strike action initiated by ASECNA workers. The strike notice, filed on May 8, 2026, is scheduled to take effect on Monday for a period of 24 hours.

Sheikh Wade warned the authorities about the economic consequences of a halt to air traffic, noting that a single day of paralysis would represent a considerable loss of revenue for the country.

For the unions, it is urgent that the State provide lasting answers to workers' concerns in order to avoid an escalation of tensions in a sector that is strategic for the national economy.