The governing board of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) emphasized in a statement that it adhered to all necessary obligations by implementing measures aimed at maintaining minimum service requirements without infringing on the fundamental right to strike, which is constitutionally protected in Portugal.
SATA Air Açores, the airline responsible for inter-island connections in the Azores, was compelled to reorganize its flight operations on Saturday following a strike by IPMA workers on Friday. The labor action led to the cancellation of 42 flights, impacting approximately three thousand passengers and significantly disrupting mobility across the archipelago.
The airline revealed that it was taken by surprise due to the non-compliance with agreed-upon minimum services, which caused significant operational disruptions by undermining basic public service obligations, as stated in a press release by SATA.
The management of the Azorean aviation group reiterated its intention to seek compensation for the damages incurred as a result of the strike and the failure to maintain minimum services.
On August 8, the IPMA assured SATA’s administration that minimum service requirements would be met, a promise that failed to materialize according to the company.
Today, the IPMA elaborated on its receipt of a strike notice from the Federation of National Trade Unions of Public and Social Workers on July 29, resulting in immediate coordination with supervisory bodies to determine appropriate measures.
The IPMA communicated the situation to SATA through its regional delegate in the Azores, and the airline subsequently received written notice on August 8 about the minimum services dictated by a ruling from the Arbitration Tribunal of 2024.
The IPMA also noted that on Wednesday, August 13, corrections to flights deemed socially critical were communicated by SATA.
In response to the continuation of the union’s strike, the institute informed all potentially affected services on the same day of the flights to be maintained under the minimum service umbrella, as per legal precedents.
The IPMA disclosed that 36 out of 44 flights requested by SATA, based on the tribunal’s decision, were carried out. The remaining cancellations were unrelated to the absence of meteorological information.
Across all islands in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, there was at least one landing and takeoff, with 64% of the total scheduled departures and arrivals (216 total) being executed, exceeding the initially demanded minimum by SATA.
The IPMA emphasized its significant investment, in collaboration with the Government of the Azores, in enhancing safety measures for individuals and property in the autonomous region. This effort is exemplified by the recent installation and operation of new radars in Ponta Delgada and Flores over the past two years, which have significantly contributed to aviation operational capability and safety.
