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Air Mauritius CEO to Lead Major Push For New Union Agreements
André Viljoen, the CEO of Air Mauritius, is to take the helm of collective bargaining negotiations, following a pivotal meeting with union leaders aimed at resolving long-standing industrial relations issues.
In a significant move for the national carrier, Mr Viljoen has agreed to a direct request from the unions to personally preside over all upcoming meetings.
The decision signals a fresh approach to securing a new collective agreement between the airline’s management and its workforce.
A “Positive” Shift in Relations
The announcement followed a meeting on Tuesday, 24 March, between the CEO and the Air Mauritius trade union platform.
Radhakrishna Sadien, the lead negotiator for the platform, described the encounter as “very positive,” noting that it provided a crucial opportunity to voice employee concerns.
“We appreciate that the unions’ request—that all negotiations leading to the signature of an accord take place under his authority—has been accepted,” Mr Sadien said.
A formal work schedule is expected to be circulated to all company unions by next week.
Key Demands and Safety Concerns
While the leadership of the talks was the primary outcome, the unions raised several critical operational and welfare issues that have hampered the airline’s “nobility” in recent years. These include:
- Staffing Levels: Acute shortages across various departments.
- Safety: Concerns regarding both occupational health for staff and general passenger safety.
- Legacy Disputes: Ongoing friction regarding the “Long Service Increment” and pension schemes.
Restoring Order
Mr Sadien also called for a significant overhaul of the Human Resources department, citing “major problems” stemming from measures implemented by the previous administration during the Covid-19 pandemic and the period of voluntary administration.
The upcoming negotiations will use the previous collective agreement, signed during the height of the pandemic, as their starting point.
Source: Le Mauricien
