As South Africa’s airport baggage handler and ramp workers’ strike headed for its second month, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) said on Monday it will intensify its labour action.
Satawu is planning to march on Transnet’s offices on Thursday in solidarity with the strikers, who downed tools on December 18.
Satawu spokesperson Evan Abrahamse said in spite of numerous meetings between the union and Equity Aviation Services, their demands have not been met.
The union is demanding an 8% salary increase. Equity Aviation Services, a ramp and baggage handling firm, is offering a 6% pay rise.
Some of the issues in dispute include wage increases and working hours.
”Hence we are continuing with the solidarity strike throughout the country,” said Abrahamse.
He said the union has planned a variety of activities throughout the country. Satawu members started their strike at Johannesburg International, Cape Town International, Port Elizabeth and East London airports last year. — Sapa