The South African Airways (SAA) has canceled all domestic and foreign flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
The SAA made this announcement on Twitter shortly before midnight on Wednesday evening.
South African Airways operations affected by industrial action. South African Airways (SAA) has cancelled all domestic, regional and international flights for Friday 15 November and Saturday 16 November (THREAD)
— SAA – South Africa (@flysaa) November 13, 2019
This comes after the SAA received notice from two unions, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the South African Cabin Staff Association, which gives them the right to protest within 48 hours.
SAA confirmed on Tuesday that it has embarked on a restructuring process and art. 189 notices given to their staff under the Labor Relations Act.
Deputy CFO Deon Fredericks said on Tuesday in Kempton Park that the retrenchments are needed to ensure financial stability.
Fredericks said the SAA on Monday submitted an application to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration to appoint a senior commissioner to act as a facilitator.
Fredericks says SAA’s restructuring process could affect 994 people, but it could save SAA R700m.
The unions are demanding increases of 7.5% to 8%, while SAA cannot afford increases, she explained.
The SAA already warned on Tuesday that a full-scale strike at this airline could cause all its operational operations to cease.
Mango said in a statement early Thursday morning that it wanted to assure passengers that their flights were not affected.
“We will continue to fly, and like many airlines in South Africa, will work with the SAA to accommodate passengers stranded due to the strike.”
Mango says they are watching events closely and will make sure his passengers reach their destinations.
“We have contingency plans in place and are ready to act if we experience any interruptions in our service during this time.”
