SAA workers assured by Public Enterprises: ‘You will get paid’
The Department of Public Enterprises has pleaded for patience as workers at South African Airways (SAA) continue to live without paycheques.
Workers at the national carrier have not been paid for eight months.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (Sacca) picketed at the SAA offices on Thursday, demanding that government pay outstanding salaries.
Public Enterprises spokesperson Richard Mantu says SAA’s financial woes is no secret.
“The Department of Public Enterprises is deeply mindful of the plight of South African Airways employees who have not received salaries for several months and call upon employees to be patient while departmental officials are working with stakeholders to find solutions. Government believes the key to solving the difficulties facing SAA is the finalisation of the business rescue process.”
Mantu says the department is working with the business rescuers to ensure the payment of salaries.
“That is why the department is working with Business Rescue Practitioners to find the best restructuring solutions for the airlines, including payment of salaries.
“Any updates of the finalisation of the BRP process will be communicated soon.”
Last month, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni allocated R10.5 billion to help SAA implement its business rescue plan.
