TAAG maintenance technician labor dispute

Maintenance technicians at TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola had planned a strike for September 1 to demand salary adjustments and protest unilateral company decisions. During the period leading up to the strike, leadership responses appeared divided; Executive Committee President Jaime Miguel Ferreira Carneiro reportedly took a confrontational stance, while Board Chairman Clóvis Rosa advocated for dialogue to reach a “balanced and sustainable solution”.

Ultimately, TAAG cancelled the planned strike following meetings between the airline’s administration and union structures. The airline stated that withdrawing the strike notice would allow for the continued normal operation of services while maintaining the negotiation process through dialogue.

Negotiations have since progressed toward a new dispute regarding wage increases. The Sindicato dos Técnicos de Manutenção de Aeronaves (STMA) initially demanded a 100% raise for its 146 technicians, who represent roughly 5% of the airline’s workforce. TAAG has countered with a 20% increase proposal, arguing that a larger hike would threaten financial sustainability and violate proportionality across professional categories.

In addition to wages, workers have raised concerns regarding working conditions, specifically noting a lack of hangars at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, which has forced some staff to work in adapted containers or outdoors. STMA President Joaquim Filipe Martins is currently considering suspending threatened industrial action to evaluate the 20% offer. TAAG management, led by Clóvis Rosa, has stated they are prepared to maintain at least 85% of flight schedules through minimum services and operational partnerships should a strike occur.