The traffic controllers noted that the partial strike will not affect military or medical air traffic.

Rabat – Moroccan ground-based air traffic controllers have announced that they will reduce the pace of work at Moroccan airports as part of a partial strike for 15 days, starting October 30.

Air traffic controllers took the decision collectively after an extraordinary general assembly held on October 19 at the Airports National Syndicate (CDT).

In a statement posted on the CDT Facebook page, controllers expressed their dissatisfaction with the Moroccan Airport Authority (ONDA) and called for the reform of office policy.

The CDT added that ONDA’s administrative decisions are irresponsible and have no impact on the workings of Moroccan airports or the working conditions of the CDT members.

To put pressure on ONDA, the CDT workers will restrict the number of airplanes by allowing the takeoff and landing of only one airplane every 30 minutes into Moroccan airports.

CDT’s decision will cause huge disruption at Moroccan airports with at least 10 aircraft joining Moroccan airspace every five minutes. The partial strike may cause delays of up to 10 hours.

If their demands are not met before the end of the 15 days partial strike, air traffic controllers will call a national strike but will, however, continue to provide their services to state airplanes, medical aircraft, aircraft in an emergency, and national military aircraft.

Meanwhile, the pace of work will be reduced to a minimum in protest against the “contempt of air traffic controllers within ONDA”

In the statement, controllers condemned the unfavorable work conditions. They cited that they are understaffed and work in more severe and dangerous conditions than other employees.

Air traffic controllers are demanding the right to partnership and a voice in the process of changing ONDA’s economic model. They are also calling for the integration of all premiums in calculating retirement pensions and the increase of the license premium.

Also part of their demands is the regularization of air traffic controllers who have suffered a reduction of wages due to incapacity, transfer, or any other reason, and the involvement of the national union of the National Airports Office (SNONDA) as a social partner in all current and future projects initiated by ONDA.

In case of non-compliance to CDT’s demands, Moroccan airports may experience a full shutdown of air traffic services.