FOUR South African Airways (SAA) flights have been cancelled on Wednesday morning following strike action at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, while dozens of other flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth have been delayed.
This comes after the airline’s cabin crew members embarked on a strike, demanding the airline to address international food allowances. The workers are aligned to the South African Cabin Crew Association.
Arrivals board at OR Tambo #SAAstrike pic.twitter.com/PMxuAIIwml
— Sikelelwa Geya Mdingi (@SikiGeyaMdingi) April 26, 2017
Travellers have been warned that more disruptions are expected throughout the day.
It is believed that talks between SAA management and the union reached a deadlock on Tuesday night. Attempts to reach both SAA and Sacca spokespersons were unsuccessful.
Senior manager corporate affairs at OR Tambo International Airport, Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, said, “The airport has contingency plans in place and we hope for minimal disruption in order to ensure business continuity. Passengers are advised to stay in contact with the airline for updates on the status of flights and bookings.”
Twitter has reacted to the strike action.
#SAAstrike jovial cabin crew members gathered outside SAA HQ with the hopes of getting their meal allowance increased @AfriNewsAgency pic.twitter.com/rrqtsWdRU3
— Lindi masinga (@IamSwazi) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Chezzur_Ryan/status/857134932019351552
#SAAstrike striking has reached new levels they even have a DJ pic.twitter.com/vk1HWVk1pW
— K_O_K_I (@kokififty5) April 26, 2017
Delayed on SAA flight, due to industrial action. Support the right 4 SA'cans to strike.We must have Dudu removed so we can build a great SAA
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) April 26, 2017