Equity Aviation has given the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) a 5pm Monday deadline to accept its latest wage offer to striking baggage handlers, company spokesperson Herman Fleischman warned on Saturday.
Failure to do so will lead to Equity considering to approach its staff directly, he said.
”Satawu has been made aware of this intention two weeks ago. Equity is aware that its workers are willing to accept the current wage offer, and will follow this route in the interests of its workers,” Fleischman said.
Satawu could not be reached for comment.
Handlers employed by Equity Aviation Services have been on strike nationwide since mid-December.
At the centre of their dispute with the company is an increase in hours of work from 40 hours per week to 45 hours.
On Friday, negotiations broke down between Satawu, the Congress of South Africa Trade Unions and Equity, brokered by the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. They had lasted two weeks.
Fleischman added that Satawu had indicated it was willing to call an end to the strike, but refused to accept the wage proposal.
”Equity, in the interests of its workers and customers, will not agree to this prolonged dispute, so it will maintain the lockout until the dispute is resolved.” — Sapa