Numsa slams Comair CEO at Kempton Park picket
The National Union of Metalworkers of South African has accused Comair CEO Glenn Orsmond of unfairly cutting down on workers’ benefits at the company.
Members affiliated to Numsa picketed outside the Comair headquarters in Kempton Park on Tuesday – demanding the resignation of Orsmond and the entire Comair board.
The union believes they have run the airline into the ground.
Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said Orsmond not only attempted to block the reinstatement of full salaries, but also no longer provides food for the workers.
"He has no problem paying business rescue practitioners over R1 million a month, while ordinary workers lose assets and suffer extreme financial difficulty as a result of having their salaries and benefits reduced," said Hlubi-Majola.
"He attempted to block the reinstatement of 100% salary payment for staff in January this year. He has significantly taken benefits of staff in the name of self-rule, who are no longer afforded food during their shift. If a cabin crew member faints while on shift know that Glen Orsmond is denying workers of food. This is important."
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Since the beginning of the lockdown Comair has been battling to pay its staff their full salaries, with some workers taking a 30% salary cut.
Prior to the lockdown, the airline announced that it would be embarking in a restructuring process.
The airline's woes were further exacerbated on Sunday when the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) suspended its operational licence.
SACAA says this follows a “spate of occurrences” affecting a number of flights operated by Kulula and BA Comair.
