All South African airports falling under the authority of the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) could come to a standstill later this week or early next week when the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) is likely serve a 48-hour strike notice to the company.
Satawu national sector coordinator for aviation Evan Abrahamse said the union was still consulting its members to give them feedback on the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) process.
The union on Monday stated that a certificate had been issued to the union granting the right to strike at Acsa airports.
However, the right excludes members covered by essential services legislation (fire and rescue personnel) who will provide solidarity support over their lunchtimes, breaks and time off.
“Our bone of contention is that the company reported an increase in last year’s financial results, but yet it fails to agree to our demands. We understand that Acsa is planning to invest money in infrastructure but given the fact that the company is not operating in the competitive market like South African Airways, it holds a monopoly in this market and we believe that our demands are not onerous.”
The two parties failed to reach an agreement at the CCMA on Friday.
The union said the sole area of dispute was the basic wage increase. Satawu is demanding an across-the-board wage increase of 10% on the basic pensionable salary while Acsa management is offering 7,5%.
Acsa communications manager Solomon Makgale said the company’s offer of 7,5% still stood and was its final offer.
Mokgale said although a principle agreement was reached on all other matters, the parties were unfortunately not able to agree on the across-the-board wage increase.
In terms of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 (as amended) the union is required to give Acsa 48 hours’ notice of its intention to embark on such action. Acsa is yet to receive the said notice.
“The principle of ‘no work no pay’ will be applied in the event Satawu members participate in the industrial action. In case Satawu opts for the industrial action, Acsa has developed elaborate contingency plans at all its airports to ensure that operations continue uninterrupted,” Mokgale said.
He added that these contingency measures include making available external resources and introducing extended working hours for Asca staff members who are not part of the industrial action.
Acsa said it remains committed to continue working with labour representatives with a view to find a speedy settlement to the dispute.
Satawu added that it was also demanding an increase in the minimum wage by the equivalent wage settlement percentage.
The union is therefore demanding R3 300 per month for all newly appointed employees, while management’s offer is R3 225. — I-Net Bridge