Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-04-09 11:00:39
Re-elected at the helm of the same team within the Air Mauritius Cabin Crew Association (AMCCA), unionist Yogita Baboo reflects on the current situation at the national airline company.
“I am very happy. Not only for myself, but also for the entire team that has been re-elected. I am especially proud of the trust our members have in us. This demonstrates that we have done and continue to do what is necessary to ensure that our rights and working conditions are respected. It also shows the solidarity and unity within the AMCCA, and that even if we may have differing opinions, our goal remains the same, uniting us in our struggle for better working conditions and the restoration of our acquired rights. The support of all members is crucial in order to work together. Since I started this fight to restore the working conditions of our members, I have had the opportunity to meet several people, former colleagues, friends, relatives, and even strangers, some of whom have been inspired by my determination to take a stand for themselves. Among them, many women. This encourages me to continue, even if the road is difficult.”
“What is your view on the current situation at Air Mauritius, especially with the recent developments with the arrival of the new CEO, Charles Cartier?”
“The developments in recent weeks regarding what the AMCCA has been denouncing for years, namely wrong practices, abuses, injustices… show that we were right. The way employees were treated during and after the administration – changing working conditions, forcing people to sign bogus contracts, etc. – has contributed significantly to the overall frustration of the staff. In addition to that, the scandals associated with the former CEO, the lavish spending to promote destinations… Workers were saying that MK has money to do everything, even pay for a song’s signature, but doesn’t have money to pay their salaries! That’s why we have seen several anonymous letters regarding various departments. The issues need to be resolved quickly so that serenity returns to MK. There needs to be a deep cleansing so that the current situation and the level of employee frustration do not happen again. Those who were in power before ruled over employees through threats and fear. I hope that the sanctions and reshuffles are lasting and not just for show, and that there are significant changes that the company will implement. It is not only the desire of the AMCCA or the employees of Air Mauritius as a whole, but all patriots who wish to see MK return to what it was before, our national pride.”
“What is the priority on the AMCCA’s agenda?”
“The union is eager to meet and discuss with Mr. Cartier. Within the AMCCA, we hope for a rekindling of dialogue and change for the well-being of employees, as well as the progress of the national airline company. We will initiate dialogue in this direction and hope that the new management will bring about changes not only in the short term, but also in the long term for the proper functioning of the company.”
“What is the vision of your union?”
“The AMCCA strives for justice towards workers. The union will always be at the forefront to fight for its members to evolve in a healthy working environment with suitable and motivating working conditions so that all staff can flourish throughout their careers. We have experienced ups and downs, and hope that we can move in the right direction. Certainly, I was suspended and it is an injustice that the court will have to resolve. In this ongoing battle, I had the opportunity, this year, to attend the large regional conference of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) held on March 5-7 in Côte d’Ivoire, thanks to the support of the AMCCA negotiator, Radakrishna Sadien. We were over 300 people from various transport associations (air, civil aviation, etc.) gathered. Interacting with these trade unionists from all over Africa and some from Europe was a great experience. To my surprise, the case of my dismissal was used as an example. This case is taken very seriously by the ITF, which believes that there has been a violation of the conventions ratified by Mauritius. They assured that they will follow up with the International Labor Office. I know the battle is long, but with the support of the AMCCA executive and all members, I am convinced that justice will prevail.”
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
