Pretoria - There has been minimum disturbance at South African Airways (SAA) and South African Airways Technical (SAAT) following strike action, says the national carrier.
“Contingency plans by SAA and its maintenance subsidiary, SAAT, have proven to be effective, with minimal disruption,” SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said on Tuesday.
This comes after the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) embarked on strike action over wages on Monday.
The national carrier also refuted claims by Satawu that its industrial action at SAAT has paralysed operations.
“SAA operations continue to operate with minimal disruptions, a fact which can be independently verified,” said Tlali.
Since operations began on Tuesday morning at 6am up until 12pm, SAA had 31 flight departures out of OR Tambo International Airport. Only one flight was delayed for 17 minutes as a direct result of the strike.
“SAAT further wishes to renounce the claims by Satawu that the company has assigned uncertified engineers to work on aircraft. This is utterly deceitful, as the company conducts its business in line with international and local regulatory prescripts.
“SAAT and SAA would under no circumstances deploy its personnel, or any contractor to work on matters that they are unqualified or uncertified for. The SAA group of companies puts the safety of customers and crew above anything else,” Tlali said.
On Monday afternoon, SAAT met with labour, where they tabled an improved and credible offer.
“The consensus from the meeting was that the unions would seek a fresh mandate from its members on whether to accept or reject the tabled offer,” said SAA, adding that it was regrettable that the union has insinuated they would revert to their initial demand of 12%.
Last week, Satawu said it had reached a deadlock with SAAT. The union said the deadlock with the employer centred on a 6.5% offer by the employer.
The SAA Group views the 12% wage increase demand as unrealistic, especially given the current gloomy economic situation and the financial challenges with which the company is grappling.
“Throughout the negotiations, the company has been forthright with labour regarding what the company can afford. To this end, SAA expects the unions to understand that the offer placed on the tabled is informed by what the company can afford, based on the existing limited resources.”
However, SAAT was hopeful that a speedy resolution to the current impasse can be found.
“The airline and its subsidiary appeal to Satawu to desist from intimidating those who are not supportive of their industrial action. The airline urges customers to check their flight status before going to the airport. The SAA Group will continue to keep customers and the public informed about developments around this matter,” said Tlali. - SAnews.gov.za
