National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) have released a statement telling workers to prepare ‘for the mother of all strikes at SAA at all its operations nationally’.
This comes after the airline put out a notice saying it was planning to cut 944 jobs as part of its restructuring process.
CFO Deon Fredericks told City Press: ‘If everyone strikes, it will be difficult to operate, it will place the company at significant risk, it may even lead to the closure of the company and that’s why we requested from the unions “let’s sit and see how we can move forward as it is difficult times.”‘
The restructuring process is part of the national carriers attempts to deal with major funding and liquidity challenges. Fredericks told Fin24, that labour makes up 24% of SAA’s total cost. They hope that these retrenchments will help save the carrier money.
‘SAA is not competitive. We need the right people in the right positions,’ said Fredericks.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi confirmed to City Press, that the union has received their strike certificate but have not decided upon a date.
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