Unions unhappy at SAA flight cancellations
Trade unions want to be included in decision-making at embattled South African Airways (SAA) following the cancellation of numerous local and international flights.
SAA cancelled over a dozen flights on Tuesday to save cash ahead of any potential investment.
READ: Outa: SAA needs to reduce operational costs
The national carrier is still waiting for R2 billion in funding from National Treasury to help fund its business rescue proceedings.
The National Union of Metalworkers South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) says a comprehensive plan to help SAA’s recovery has already been drafted.
SACCA President Zazi Nsibanyoni-Mugambi warns that the current uncertainty at SAA is leading to consumer distrust.
“We are seriously worried, government committed to support the voluntarily business rescue by the board and provide the R2 billion.
“It seems from what is happening right now, who is going to buy a SAA ticket and who has faith in the fact that if I buy a ticket today, SAA will fly tomorrow.”
Numsa believes the flight cancellations has been done to force the airline into liquidation.
"In our view this is deliberate, this is because of government, the shareholder from the beginning, has quite an agenda to liquidate SAA and sell it to the highest bidder,” says spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola.