Thousands of South African Airways (SAA) employees will participate in a nationwide strike starting on Friday, the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) said on Thursday.
”Satawu stands ready, is mobilised and united together in the struggle to advance the pay of our members,” said Satawu general secretary Randall Howard.
”We intend to commence the strike nationally in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg from 4.30am tomorrow [Friday].”
Speaking at a conference in Johannesburg, Howard said the union will pursue every avenue and make every effort to engage with SAA.
The decision to embark on industrial action follows a deadlock in wage negotiations.
Satawu is demanding an 8% wage increase and SAA is offering 5%.
”We will make any last-ditch attempt to avert a strike that will hurt the economy, affect tourism and inconvenience passengers,” he said.
Howard said the decision to strike was not taken lightly, in view that the Vodacom Cup Challenge and the Mandela Cup are taking place over the weekend.
Satawu spokesperson Ronnie Mamba said the union was invited ”to some meeting” by SAA at 2pm today [Thursday]”.
The United Association of South Africa, the largest representative union of ground staff and cabin crew at SAA, said it would also be meeting with SAA on Thursday. — Sapa