Unions vow to shut down aviation sector
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) have warned of a looming secondary strike following a breakdown in talks with management at South African Airways (SAA).
Labour unions say they are in the process of consulting workers for a secondary strike in the aviation sector.
Addressing workers in Kempton Park, west of Johannesburg, Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola decried what they believe to be the airline's lacklustre response to their demands.
"We will shut down aviation. We don't make this threat lightly, we know very well what's at stake, but we have no choice because we have been forced into this corner by an executive and a board that simply does not care," she said.
"NUMSA and SACCA have resolved that the strike must be intensified."
Unions are demanding an 8% wage increase, as well as the in-sourcing of workers.
The cash-strapped national carrier is offering 5.9%.
"This is a fight for survival for all workers in aviation,” Hlubi-Majola added.
More than 3,000 workers - including cabin crew, technical and ground staff - started striking on Friday to demand higher pay and to protest against restructuring plans involving heavy job losses.
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Unions warn SAA passengers: 'Your safety cannot be guaranteed'
Earlier SAA vowed to resume all intentional flights on Sunday, while regional and domestic flights would remain grounded. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says the safety of passengers cannot be guaranteed should SAA persist with plans to resume flights. "SAA is preparing to restore all international and domestic flights tomorrow.