All back to normal at SAA following cabin crew strike

This has meant that cabin crew members have returned and reported for duty.

According to SAA spokesman Tlali Tlali, the Board of Directors is committed to further engaging with SACCA through a facilitated dispute resolution process over the next two months.

“SAA is  hoping that it will be able to come to an amicable agreement with the union that accommodates cabin crew concerns while protecting the financial sustainability of the airline, even before the court date in June,” said Tlali.

“The sustainability of the airline remains of paramount importance to Board and Executive of the SAA. We have initiated a programme to ensure that the airline’s financial situation is turned around, and that SAA returns to profitability once again.”

“SAA remains committed to finding a speedy resolution to the matters raised by the labour union and to avoid travel uncertainty and inconvenience to its passengers.”

The airline is now focused on recovering its schedule with minimum disruptions still expected.

SAA said on Thursday it had to cancel 50 flights on Wednesday as a result of the strike‚ but was expecting only minimal disruptions after a significant increase in cabin crew reporting for duty.

“Our planned flight schedules have resumed and whilst operations are geared to full service recovery‚ we remain exposed to minimal operational delays‚” SAA spokesman Tlali Tlali said.

Sacca said however it may seek to review the ruling and renew its pursuit of an increased international travel allowance.

Sacca deputy president Christopher Shabangu said the union was considering seeking a review of an interdict granted on Wednesday.

It is understood SAA had won a labour court interdict only after the union’s legal representatives were not able to fully prepare legal documentation and make arguments on Wednesday morning‚ Shabangu said.