Share

SAA says it is ramping up operations as strike continues

A strike at cash-strapped airline SAA is set to continue, with unions and the airline's leadership still unable to find common ground. 

The flag carrier's leadership is currently briefing the media on negotiations with workers at Airways Park in Gauteng. 

The media briefing is being held after unions earlier met with Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan in Pretoria. While there was some speculation that the meeting with Gordhan may have resulted in an agreement to end the strike, the airline's acting CEO, Zuks Ramasia, said unions were still on strike.

Further meetings are planned for Tuesday afternoon. 

Ramasia said a growing number of workers who had been on strike had started to return to work. SAA's international operations were fully operational, she said, while its domestic and regional operations were set to "ramp up".

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the SA Cabin Crew Association have been on strike since Friday over wages, the insourcing of employees and proposed job cuts. 

SAA has rejected their demand for a pay increase of 8%, offering 5.9% instead if and when "funds are available". The state-owned airline, which last week said it may have to cut up to 944 employees, previously said the strike is costing it about R52m a day. 

The unions also want the insourcing of employees currently being employed at SAA by contractors, and three years of guaranteed job security.

* Correction: This article previously stated that the National Union of Mineworkers was on strike at SAA. This is incorrect, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa is on strike. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.9%
Rand - Pound
24.10
-0.9%
Rand - Euro
20.59
-0.7%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.42
-0.9%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.8%
Platinum
915.75
-0.8%
Palladium
1,028.36
-3.5%
Gold
2,159.96
+0.2%
Silver
25.03
-0.6%
Brent Crude
85.34
-0.1%
Top 40
66,252
0.0%
All Share
72,431
0.0%
Resource 10
53,317
0.0%
Industrial 25
100,473
0.0%
Financial 15
16,622
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders