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+--- Thread: SAAT concludes wage deal with AUSA (/Thread-SAAT-concludes-wage-deal-with-AUSA)
SAAT concludes wage deal with AUSA - Newsroom - 29-08-2013
Pretoria - South African Airways Technical (SAAT), the maintenance subsidiary of SAA, has concluded a wage deal with the Aviation Union of Southern Africa (AUSA).
This comes after workers downed tools on Monday. AUSA represents a large portion of engineers and technical staff at SAAT.
The deal, which was signed on Wednesday, means that SAAT and the airline will be able to continue with operations with minimal - if any - disruptions.
The wage agreement is for a period of one year. The settlement entails 6.5% on total cost to company; a 0.5% once-off payment and a further 1% increase for technicians flowing from the previous year’s wage agreement.
The company on Wednesday met with the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) with the hopes of reaching an agreement that would lead to their 752 members returning to their posts.
SAAT and Satawu are due to meet again today to continue with negotiations.
“The company reiterates its desire to have all employees back at their posts as soon as possible. Returning to work is also in the interest of the striking employees as the no-work no-pay principle applies. A strike for up to seven days could take employees years to recoup their lost remuneration and may never do so, depending on the settlement increase.â€
SAA confirmed that out of the 47 departures out of OR Tambo International Airport, only two flights were delayed as a direct result of strike action.
The two flights were SA064 (Johannesburg to Lusaka) and SA559 (Johannesburg to Durban). The delays were for seven and 14 minutes respectively.
The national airline also confirmed that it has applied for an interdict which is meant to address unruly, intimidating and unlawful behaviour by Satawu members during picketing, which is contrary to the picketing rules and applicable laws.
“Contrary to assertions by Satawu, the interdict is not intended to stop the strike as this is a protected strike,†said the airline. – SAnews.gov.za