Manta Air Employees Set to Strike Over Unresolved Salary Issues

Manta Air is facing heightened internal tensions as employees express growing dissatisfaction over unresolved pay issues and deteriorating working conditions. Following years of unmet commitments and increasing financial pressure, staff have announced plans to initiate a strike in response to the ongoing dispute.

The roots of the standoff trace back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when staff agreed to company wide salary cuts in what was described at the time as a temporary survival measure. Employees say they were assured that pay would return to pre-pandemic levels once the airline regained stability.

But while Manta Air has expanded significantly in the post-pandemic years  growing from just 2 seaplanes to a fleet of 19 aircraft the promised salary adjustments never materialized. According to staff, the airline’s recovery and growth were built on the backs of employees who remained loyal, despite personal sacrifices.

The situation has been compounded by recent national policy changes requiring 20% of foreign currency earnings to be converted into Maldivian Rufiyaa. This shift has further eroded take-home pay for employees.

Staff members describe a workplace atmosphere that has grown increasingly demoralized, citing what they say is a lack of meaningful engagement from senior leadership. Many claim their concerns have been consistently brushed aside, despite repeated internal appeals.

The strike is expected to disrupt operations across Manta Air’s domestic network, potentially affecting tourists and locals alike. However, employees insist the goal is not disruption, but dialogue and ultimately, resolution.

As the strike unfolds, attention now turns to Manta Air’s management and whether they will take the steps needed to end the stalemate and restore trust within their workforce.