The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is saying that South African Airways (SAA) is risking air safety by operating with inexperienced safety officers and temporary technicians. This is according to news from Air Transport World. As a result, SAA is threatening legal action over these union claims. The airline is in the midst of a strike with numerous flights having been cancelled. In fact, the airline estimates that the strike will cost it as much as $3.4m per day.At the core of the strike is an ongoing pay dispute between the South African flag carrier and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) as well as the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). The November 15th strike forced SAA to ground most of its flights.

NUMSA accusations and responses

“We are warning passengers not to fly SAA, because their safety cannot be guaranteed,” -NUMSA Spokesperson

The acting CEO of SAA issued a public statement reacting to the claims of safety, saying the following:

“We call on NUMSA and SACCA to retract these untrue and unfounded allegations with immediate effect. If they fail to do so, we will consider taking legal action...The airline will not tolerate those seeking to intimidate those wishing to report for duty. Employees who intimidate or assault other employees, cause damage to SAA property, or engage in any criminal act or misconduct may be liable for criminal prosecution, internal disciplinary action or arrested,”  -Zuks Ramasia, Acting CEO, SAA

Calling the union claims “malicious”, Ramasia added also emphasized that SAA will not compromise on safety and security. The threat of legal action has not silenced NUMSA. Below is a November 18th Twitter post by the union, doubling-down on their allegations:

The strike

“The airline cannot afford to pay any salary increases. However, it has offered the unions a 5.9% salary increase effective in the March 2020 pay month. In addition, the company will pay the first six months back-pay, from April 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2019, in March 2020; and the remaining six months back-pay in April 2020, provided that SAA has received funds to do so,” -Zuks Ramasia, Acting CEO, SAA

The airline has since resumed its long-haul services with some regional routes recommencing today. Negotiations over pay have been ongoing with the airline in the difficult situation of low profitability. According to SAA, NUMSA and SACCA seek an 8% salary increase. The airline insists that these demands cannot be met as it is also in the midst of restructuring.

NUMSA refutes the fact that SAA is unable to pay up. In a November 16th statement on Twitter the union said the following:

While flight service has resumed, the unions are looking to escalate their protests. In fact, this may include a sector-wide strike, effectively extending the job action to all areas of South Africa’s aviation industry. Every strike raises the risk of crippling the airline.

Do you think NUMSA's allegations have any merit? Or is this just heated rhetoric in the midst of sour labor relations? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

We reached out to SAA for comment but have not received a response as of publishing this article.