Labour union Solidarity has made public its plans for improving employment conditions at Nationwide Airlines.
The plan, released on Monday, the apparent last day of a strike at the airline, includes proposals for alternative pension provision, growing market share and improved profitability, improvement in loyalty, attention to staff turnover and improving the entry salary of cabin staff.
Solidarity in a statement said ”the problem at Nationwide is larger than a mere salary demand that can be resolved with a strike”, and the trade union has therefore decided on a more comprehensive plan of action.
”We regard the strike as a process aimed at improving the position of employees. The hard work still lies ahead. Long-term problems are not solved in three days,” said Solidarity spokesperson Dirk Hermann.
”The 98% vote in favour of a strike that we received from our members not only represents a vote in favour of a strike, but a vote of frustration against the current working conditions of Nationwide staff. In the interests of the employees, the company and its service to the public, it would behove the company to heed this voice.
”The current pay structure of Nationwide cabin staff is out of step with the market. A basic entry salary of R3 980 is unacceptable. Cabin crew also do not have pension provision at present. Nationwide has succeeded in keeping its aircraft flying, but the frustrations of its workers have not been resolved.
”Keeping planes in the air was a short-term victory. In the long term, unhappy employees can cost a company dearly. Unhappy workers mean unhappy passengers,” Hermann warned.
Earlier this year, South African Airways workers struck for six days to improve their salaries. The parties eventually settled on a 6,2% increase.
Workers at Nationwide went on strike for a 5% salary increase plus a 3% pensionable contribution from the employer.
Plan ‘to the advantage of all’
In its plan, Solidarity said it will cooperate to increase Nationwide’s market share and improve the company’s profitability, which will be to the advantage of all.
The trade union will also undertake a comparative study of remuneration in the rest of the industry, as well as a study into the reasons for the high staff turnover at Nationwide. In addition, a pension-provision plan for the employees will be developed.
Meanwhile, union spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said it has taken note of a threat by the airline to seek damages for defamation from Solidarity.
Nationwide’s commercial director, Roger Whittle, threatened the legal action after Solidarity cautioned passengers to make alternative travel arrangements over the weekend in case the airline was grounded by the strike.
Kleynhans said Solidarity will oppose any action and is confident any attempted litigation will fail.
Solidarity says Nationwide managed to overcome the effect of the strike in the short term by employing temporary staff.
He said striking staff would on Monday afternoon decide what to do next.
”Our members are furious that Nationwide has refused to negotiate with us. The union wants Nationwide to explain why they cannot afford to give the higher increases,” Kleynhans said.
Solidarity wants the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration to mediate a settlement.
”These problems still exist. Normally, you sit around the table you discuss these sort of things, but Nationwide have refused to talk,” Kleynhans said. ”We still need to have negotiations so that we can find a solution together.”
Kleynhans said the strike was well supported, with between 70% and 90% of Solidarity’s members taking part in some cities.
The airline employs about 1 000 staff members.
Peter Griffiths, the airline’s financial director, said all staff turned up for work on Saturday and Sunday.
”All flights are on schedule,” Griffiths said. — Sapa