×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

32 SAA flights cancelled as result of cabin crew strike

Thirty-two South African Airways flights were cancelled by noon on Wednesday as the impact of the strike by cabin crew members was felt on the eve of the MayDay long weekend.

This is up from the six that were reported by SAA in the mid morning when aircraft departing from coastal cities early on Wednesday morning were impacted.

SAA said the cancelled flights included 28 domestic‚ three regional and one international flight.

The airline said the required number of cabin crew members were currently not available to enable SAA to operate all of its flights.

The strike action follows a notice of industrial action by one of the labour unions representing its cabin crew members‚ the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA).

Options were being considered on how to accommodate passengers affected by the cancellations.

The airline said it would provide further updates on what options were available to its customers.

These included combining some of the cancelled flights to minimise the impact of the delays customers would experience as a result of flight cancellations.

 

SAA asks court to halt cabin crew strike‚ describes 'chaos at airport'

National carrier South African Airways is arguing in the Labour Court for an urgent interdict to block a strike by the SA Cabin Crew Association‚ which is opposing the action.

SAA filed papers with the Labour Court‚ calling on it to declare the strike by scores of cabin crew employees illegal.

Workers had deserted flights‚ calling for an increase to their international travel allowance.

SAA wants the court to make an urgent order which will see workers immediately returning to work‚ saying there was “complete chaos at the airport”.

In its papers‚ it requested that the court declare “the strike … to not be in compliance with Chapter VI of the Labour Relations Act and therein unprotected.”

It also wants the court to issue an order which would restrain the association from participating in the unprotected strike or encouraging workers to participate in the strike.

Earlier this morning‚ SAA confirmed that there had been several disruptions to their flights.

The matter continues.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.