SAA extends domestic and regional flight cancellations
South African Airlines (SAA) has decided to extend the grounding of its domestic and regional flights for a further two days amid a crippling strike.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) downed tools on Friday after wage negotiations with the cash-strapped airline deadlocked.
International flights operated by SAA will resume on Sunday.
"We have taken a decision to extend flight cancelations for Sunday and Monday, on all flights that are operated by SAA in the domestic and regional flights. We have taken a decision to reinstate all our international flights that will be operating from OR Tambo International Airport," SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali told the media at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.
The SAA strike follows an announcement by the airline that it plans to retrench some 900 workers as it battles to stay afloat.
Over the past 13 years, the national carrier has incurred over R28bn in cumulative losses.
The strike has left many local and international travellers frustrated and unsure as to how they will reach their various destinations.
Watch videos below:
#SAAStrike | Numsa and SACCA have started gathering outside South African Airways (SAA) head offices in Kempton Park for a 'mother of all strikes.'
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 15, 2019
This comes after the two unions and the embattled state-owned airliner could not reach an agreement on wage increments. pic.twitter.com/Fe7wRs7lOZ
#SAAStrike | Numsa and SACCA members protesting outside the SAA Offices in Kempton Park. pic.twitter.com/bAa54PQ7VJ
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 15, 2019
#SAAStrike | "It is a corrupt SAA and it is a corrupt Government." pic.twitter.com/DMzqd3vmkJ
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 15, 2019