The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) on Monday stated that there were no disruptions at all the major airports under its authority despite the first day of strike action by members of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu).
Acsa communications manager Solomon Makgale said the company’s contingency measures have been effected and would remain in place for the duration of the strike and no major disruptions were therefore expected during this period.
This is the first strike at the company in five years, with more than 1 000 workers expected to take part in the strike at all major airports across the country falling under Acsa’s authority.
According to Satawu 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 and Acsa management is offering 7,5%.
The union is therefore demanding R3 300 per month for all newly appointed employees, while management’s offer is R3 225.
“The contingency measures were applied at Johannesburg, Cape Town, George, Kimberley, Pilanesberg and Bloemfontein. Indications at this stage are that between 25% and 30% of Satawu members participated in the strike action,” Makgale said.
He added that in terms of the picketing and strike rules agreement entered into between Acsa and Satawu in accordance with section 69 of the Labour Relations Act of 1995, Satawu must submit a seven-day written notice to Acsa of its intention to picket.
This notice was served on Thursday, meaning picketing could only start on Thursday this week.
However, Makgale said at some airports Satawu members commenced with demonstrations this morning in contravention of the picketing agreement.
He said Acsa reserved its rights in this regard.
The agreement also identifies designated areas where demonstrations can be held and regulates the conduct of the demonstrators.
Satawu national sector coordinator for aviation Evan Abrahamse said: “Our members are ready to withdraw their labour to pursue their demand for better wages. The strike involves our members at all airports. It will, however, exclude essential service staff as our agreement prevents them from taking part in the strike.”
Abrahamse said only the Upington airport is exempted from this action as all the union’s Upington members are in essential services. — I-Net Bridge