350 Satawu members on strike at SAA Technical 18-08-07

 

350 SATAWU MEMBERS ON STRIKE AT SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS TECHINICAL

SATAWU has been engaging in an ongoing campaign to transform SAAT with regard to the implementation of the Employment Equity Act and the Skills Development Act among others to effect real transformation.

After SATAWU for a reasonable period of time has been calling on SAA management at the highest level as far back as 2006 to give concrete expression to EEA and SDA to ensure the implementation of Affirmative Action to readdress the legacy of apartheid. Whilst Executive management including the CEO have great sympathy for SATAWU's cause management failed to demonstrate any political will to transform or affirm blacks as designated groups in the workplace.

It is a result of this frustration that SATAWU was left with no option but to declare a mutual interest dispute at the CCMA with the matter remaining unresolved which culminated into a protected strike which started at first shift this morning.

Over the last two days and nights management and Satawu have been locked in negotiations until two (2) am this morning to try and avert the strike.

A draft agreement was arrived at and report back is currently taking place with the members to determine acceptance or rejection of the draft agreement.

The strike is having an impact by means of delaying Technical checks on aircraft having to depart and also towing the aircraft to relevant parking bays for take off or departure and general maintenance of aircraft which will result in the delays of flights.

SATAWU will release a statement after meeting with its members and meeting management to try and find a solution to the dispute.

Please contact the General Secretary, Randall Howard on 082 564 6298 and Saki Tlou, Full time Shopsteward on 082 509 6771 for any further clarification.