Unions attack Gordhan over decision to withdraw from SAA restructuring forum
The Department of Public Enterprises on Sunday announced its withdrawal from the Leadership Consultative Forum (LCF), saying it is not serving its intended purpose.
The forum was meant to facilitate a business restructuring model for South African Airways (SAA).
But the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) said on Monday that the withdrawal confirms Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan’s dishonesty.
“It is important to state publicly that Numsa and SACCA reject minister Gordhan’s cheap propaganda to hide behind Covid-19 as the basis of not wanting to capitalise the business plan,” Numsa general-secretary Irvin Jim says.
“This includes our rejection, of his self-generated shock and surprise, that Numsa, SACCA and SAAPA, move for the adjournment of the creditor meeting as he has been fully aware about the poor plan that was publicized by the BRPs, which is not only flawed but is also an attack on workers who have been suffering for a long time since the airline was grounded. “
Jim adds that the unions have written to the African National Congress (ANC) to stop the retrenchment of 3700 workers at the embattled airline.
"Numsa, SACCA and SAAPA might be left with no option but to address the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and all political parties as we have written to the ANC calling for their intervention as a majority party.
“We remain firm in our search for a solution that will save our nation's airline and ensure a restructured viable restructured airline.”