Bahamasair Exec Addresses Recent Sickout

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – One day after more than 80 percent of flight attendants called in sick, operations have resumed at Bahamasair. The industrial action caused major headaches for travelers, forcing flight delays and cancelations.

Bahamasair Managing Director Tracy Cooper says they’re doing all they can to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“We had 80 percent of [flight attendants] either not showing up to work or were at work and went home sick,” Cooper explained.

Cooper confirmed the move by the flight attendants cost the airline thousands of dollars.

About 1,800 passengers in Exuma, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando were affected by the industrial action.

He says the industrial action was unforeseen and unwarranted as the company is undergoing constructive conversation with the union.

“Overall we just felt that with a few days more of discussions we could’ve come to a conclusion on the union matters,” he continued.

Cooper says all passengers from Sunday’s disrupted flights were accommodated on Monday as extra flights were scheduled.

He adds that a meeting was held between management and the union, where “assurances were provided” and he hopes there will be no further service disruptions.

Our News understands distressed passengers were provided accommodations.

And as for when that industrial agreement between Bahamasair and the union will be complete, cooper says he is hopeful they will come to an agreement in the next few weeks.