Global aviation services company, Menzies Aviation, has allayed fears of disruption to flights during an indefinite NUMSA strike that started yesterday (Monday, July 15) at five Acsa airports, including OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport.
NUMSA is thelargest metal worker trade union in South Africa.
Charles Wyley , EVP Middle East, Africa Asia, Menzies Aviation, told Travel News: We are continuing discussions with Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) to ensure that there is minimal disruption. Our contingency planning will ensure our airline partners and passengers are not disrupted. Currently all our customer flights are operating as per their published schedules with minimal impact.
According to NUMSA General Secretary, Irvin Jim , union members embarked on the strike to address what he said was Menzies Aviation managements refusal to convert workers on permanent hourly pay to permanent monthly pay.
This situation has a negative impact on workers, because if you are on hourly pay, it means you can never be sick. Workers are paid for the hours they work and if they are sick or on leave for any reason, they do not get paid, Jim explained.