08 Oct 2019 | 01:19 AM UTC
Burkina Faso: Ouagadougou airport workers threaten to strike Oct. 11-12
Union leaders threaten to block all flights at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) on October 11-12 to protest privatization plans; confirm flight reservations
Event
Aviation union leaders are threatening to hold a 48-hour strike at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) from Friday, October 11, through Saturday, October 12, to protest a proposal to privatize airport operations. According to a union spokesperson, during the work stoppage all planes will be grounded at OUA. However, union leaders said they are willing to call off the strike if successful talks are held before October 11. As of Monday, October 7, the unions still appear to be planning to hold the work stoppage. Significant flight disruptions are anticipated on October 11-12 if the strike is held.
Context
The unions are protesting a proposal to sell the management of OUA to a foreign private company. Workers are concerned that the privatization of airport operations will threaten job security and argue that civil aviation comes under the sovereignty of the country.
Advice
Travelers flying via OUA in the coming days, particularly on October 11-12, are advised to monitor the situation, confirm flight reservations, maintain a flexible itinerary, and to contact their airline for additional information.
