An agreement between Equity Aviation and the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) was signed on Monday, averting planned industrial action.
Satawu threatened to go on strike last week over the company docking pay from employees across the board for the offences of individuals. Wage demands were also a factor.
On Monday Satawu negotiator Sam Lefuwa said: ”The strike is no longer an issue … we signed the wage agreement today [Monday].”
Equity Aviation spokesperson Herman Fleischman said in a statement: ”We applaud our staff, managers, and union for setting this very far-sighted and responsible example to the industry.
”Our negotiations were always amiable and good natured, and both sides were proactive in making this long-term deal work.”
The agreement, to last until 2011, includes a 6% wage increase — the company had initially offered 4,9% while the union demanded 7%.
A clause had been included to deal with the docking of pay. This issue would be looked at separately, Lefuwa said.
Airlines such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and South African Airways would have been affected by industrial action at Equity Aviation. — Sapa