Cape Town – Passengers at OR Tambo International Airport were left frustrated on Thursday as South African Airways (SAA) flights were grounded due to a strike by the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA) and the National Transport Movement (NTM).
The strike stems from salary negotiations, with pilots initially demanding a 30% salary increase, later reduced to 15.7% plus benefits.
SAA countered with an offer of 8.46%, backdated to April.
Captain Sibusiso Nxumalo says management has not reached out to them for the resumption of talks saying for now the strike remains indefinite. He says the timing has nothing to do with the festive season. 141 of the 161 SAA pilots have downed tools #SAAStrike #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/Qj5oGCO2Dn
— Katlego Legodi (@KatlegoLegodi_) December 5, 2024
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Holidaymakers, including those heading to Mauritius, faced indefinite delays and threatened legal action against the airline.
Meanwhile, pilots picketed near Airways Park, citing limited negotiations and sacrifices made during the pandemic.
“Management has not reached out today. They have had our demands on the table for a while and we hope there will be a speedy resolution,” Captain Sibusiso Nxumalo said.
Pilots affiliated to the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA) have downed tools nationally over a wage dispute with the employer demanding a 15% wage increase coupled with benefits while SAA is offering 8% #SAAStrike #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/6npJcYZS3F
— Katlego Legodi (@KatlegoLegodi_) December 5, 2024
SAA’s interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, criticised the pilots’ strike over the ongoing wage dispute, warning that such disruptive actions could jeopardize the airline’s financial stability in the future.
Watch as Lamola speaks (Courtesy of eNCA)
SAA’s interim CEO Professor John Lamola slammed the pilots strike over wage dispute. He says this damaging action could have an impact on the financial sustainability of SAA going forward. #eNCA @DStv304 pic.twitter.com/TeANNu8pKn
— eNCA (@eNCA) December 5, 2024
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Picture: Pixabay
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
