South African Airways tables improved wage offer as flights operate as normal

South African Airways (SAA) would like to give an update that it has made considerable progress with the current wage negotiations dispute with labour unions represented at its maintenance subsidiary, SAA Technical (SAAT).

On Friday, 29 September 2017, SAAT was served with a notice of intention to embark on industrial action by SATAWU, which is one of the labour unions, represented at SAAT.

The strike notice was served in accordance with the labour laws and this has not affected SAA flight schedules in any way.

To mitigate any possible strike action SAA began to review and update its contingency measures to ensure business continuity and to minimise the impact of any strike action on its operations.

Since the notice was served, management obtained a revised mandate from the Board of Directors and met with the three labour unions (SATAWU, UASA and NUMSA) to present a revised offer to the unions on Wednesday, 4 October 2017. The offer was not immediately rejected and the unions requested time to consult with their members. Feedback will be received during the course of the day from two unions and from the third union by Thursday, 5 October 2017.

Management remains committed to working jointly with the labour unions to find solutions that accommodate the employee demands, safeguard the business and to avert possible industrial action.

Whilst the company appreciates the demand for salary increases, this must be done being mindful of current financial constraints the company is facing and such demands must be tested against affordability and sustainability principles in wage negotiations.