The local aviation industry finds itself on tenterhooks after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) embarked on strike action on Monday, July 15, over a pay dispute with ground-handling services provider, Menzies Aviation.
At the heart of the matter is Numsa’s demand that hourly-paid workers become monthly salary earners to avoid potential loss of income due to sick leave.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said workers have already downed tools at the international airports of OR Tambo in Johannesburg, King Shaka in Durban, Cape Town International, King Phalo in East London, and Chief Dawid Stuurman in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
This morning it has been reported that Menzies has scheduled a meeting with Numsa for Tuesday, July 16, in the hope of avoiding indefinite strike action that could affect the company’s entire staff complement responsible for airfreight and passenger-support services.
On the domestic front, a strike by the staff of Menzies Aviation could particularly impact FlySafair.
International flights and airfreight by Qatar, Qantas and Cathay Pacific have also been named as airlines that will suffer because of Numsa's labour action.
Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim has said that the hourly pay system is unfair to the union’s members, who risk losing income when they are off work due to sick leave or for personal reasons.
