While representatives of the workers are meeting with management inside the company’s offices, other employees remain outside the premises as the sit-down strike continues.
The workers say their concerns over medical benefits and staff loans have not been adequately addressed, prompting them to take collective action to press for a response from the company.
Beyond the welfare-related concerns, GIA employees are also raising broader concerns about the airline’s business environment and what they describe as preferential treatment by the government towards Niro.
According to the workers, major airline clients and contracts that they believe could have benefited GIA are increasingly being awarded to Niro. They argue that this is affecting GIA’s ability to attract and retain business at a time when the company needs sufficient revenue to sustain its operations.
The workers allege that the situation is contributing to a loss of business opportunities for GIA and could have implications for the company’s long-term sustainability if it continues.
They are therefore calling for what they describe as a fair and transparent business environment in which GIA can compete for airline-related contracts and clients.
The concerns come amid renewed focus on the welfare of employees and the operational sustainability of the national airline.
The staff association’s meeting with management is expected to determine the next steps regarding the workers’ grievances.
The Point understands that the issues raised by the employees include both immediate staff welfare matters and wider concerns about the company’s business prospects.
However, the allegations concerning preferential treatment and the allocation of airline contracts have not been independently established. The positions of the government, GIA management and Niro on the allegations were not immediately available at the time of going to press.
The workers’ action remains ongoing as the two sides engage in discussions aimed at resolving the concerns.
