South African Airways (SAA) refuses to increase its salary offer of 5%, the company said on Wednesday afternoon.
”The management of SAA does not intend moving from its offer of a 5% salary increase, while the unions are demanding an 8% increase,” said SAA spokesperson Sarah Uys.
This is in response to the nationwide ”grasshopper” strike by about 5 000 SAA ground staff and cabin crew, due to start at 4pm on Wednesday by members of the United Association of South Africa (Uasa).
Uys said SAA is not expecting any disruptions to its flight operations on Wednesday, and contingency plans are in place for operations to run as normal.
”Contingency plans are in place to counter any possible interruptions. These include combining flights, using larger aircraft on routes, and management helping to check passengers in.”
She said SAA expects that all outgoing international flights on Wednesday afternoon and evening will depart as scheduled.
SAA advises passengers to check in at airports well in advance to avoid any delays and to be informed timeously of any possible changes.
”Passengers scheduled to fly on SAA-operated flights, domestic and international, from Thursday are advised to arrive at the respective airports as early as possible on the day of travel to be placed on the soonest available flight to their destination.”
Uys said regular updates on the strike will be posted on the SAA website.
Uasa official Gerhard 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.
Ueckermann said on Wednesday 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.
On Wednesday morning, SA Airlink said the anticipated strike by SAA check-in staff at Johannesburg International airport will not affect travellers on any flights.
”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.
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.
South African Express Airways (Sax) also said its flights will not be affected by the pending strike.
”Even though we have an alliance with SAA and offer passengers access to a global network through this relationship, our staff are not involved in the industrial action,” said Sax CEO Siza Mzimela.
He said Sax has contingency plans in order to limit delays out of Johannesburg because the company’s check-in facilities are handled by SAA.
Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) said it is monitoring the situation at Johannesburg International airport.
”Acsa will lend its support from an airports perspective wherever possible and try to assist passengers so that they are inconvenienced as little as possible,” Acsa spokesperson Jacqui O’Sullivan said. — Sapa