The anticipated strike by South African Airways (SAA) check-in staff at Johannesburg International airport will not affect travellers on any SA Airlink flights, the company said on Wednesday.
”SA Airlink has set up a contingency plan and is utilising its own staff to man the dedicated SA Airlink check-in counters at Johannesburg International airport,” said SA Airlink spokesperson Karin Murray.
This is in response to the nationwide ”grasshopper” strike by about 5 000 SAA ground staff and cabin crew belonging the United Association of South Africa (Uasa) that is to start at 4pm on Wednesday.
Murray said the company’s alternative check-in programme will ensure that all its flights depart according to schedule with as little possible inconvenience to customers.
”We are prepared to continue flying on time for as long as the strike may last and we do not foresee any delays or cancellation of flights.”
Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) said it is monitoring the situation at Johannesburg International airport.
”Acsa will lend its support from an airport’s perspective wherever possible and try to assist passengers so that they are inconvenienced as little as possible,” Acsa spokesperson Jacqui O’Sullivan said.
Uasa is demanding an 8% increase while SAA is offering 5%. Ueckermann said SAA had originally offered a 4,2% increase plus a medical and housing subsidy. On Tuesday, SAA offered a 5% increase but without housing and medical benefits.
He said the dispute has not reached an amicable conclusion as SAA management has not invited Uasa to the discussion table and has been ”quite funny” with the union.
SAA spokesperson Sarah Uys said earlier on Wednesday it is unlikely that flights will be cancelled, but still advised travellers to delay their flight plans.
”Our leadership is meeting as we speak, so we’ll have to see what comes out of that,” she said.
Officials at Cape Town International airport will remain on ”high alert” on Wednesday as the nationwide strike is scheduled to start.
”Our key priority is to ensure there is minimal impact on airport operations. We will continue to monitor the situation,” said Cape Town airport spokesperson Deidre Hendricks.
Hendricks said the airport was in contact with SAA to ensure that it is provided with the necessary support should ongoing negotiations fail to avert the strike. — Sapa