The Guvnor
13th Jan 2002, 06:44
From today's Sunday Times:
[quote]SAA on collision course with pilots over job conditions
AIRLINES
By ROGER MAKINGS
THE management of SA Airways is heading for a showdown with its 900 or so pilots that could lead to industrial action.
The airline, which posted a headline loss of R735-million in the last financial year, wants the cockpit crews to give up their negotiated agreements.
Captain John Harty, chairman of the SAA Pilots' Association, said: "Management wants to cancel or renegotiate our agreements and terms and conditions of employment. We are taking legal advice, but it is too early to say what the outcome might be."
He said SAAPA was told that if consensus was not reached, most existing agreements would be replaced or cancelled by June.
Privately, pilots say they are willing to discuss financial concessions to assist the airline, but are not prepared to give up reasonable agreements to solve short-term problems.
SAA management says the airline is in dire straits following the events of September 11 and that it has the added burden of carrying a weak rand.
Victor Nosi, SAA's executive vice-president, communications, said: "Everyone is aware that, according to the latest results for 2001, SAA is not in a healthy financial state. It is imperative, if the company is to survive these turbulent times, that it manages its affairs in such a way that it operates at maximum efficiency and at minimum cost.
"The volatility in the currency markets and the massive depreciation of the rand against foreign currencies since September 11 has only made matters worse. This depreciation means an increase in, among other things, the cost of fuel, maintenance, landing and navigational rights."
He urged SAAPA to accept the airline's bona fides during negotiations. Talks began this week to ensure the continued viability of the airline and to safeguard the employment of association members and others at SAA.
"It is important to stress that the company is in a survival mode and requires the cooperation not only of the association, but also that of all other recognised unions and their members if it is to survive. The changes proposed by the company are an absolute necessity. Maturity and objectivity will be required in the negotiations if the parties are to succeed." <hr></blockquote>
[quote]SAA on collision course with pilots over job conditions
AIRLINES
By ROGER MAKINGS
THE management of SA Airways is heading for a showdown with its 900 or so pilots that could lead to industrial action.
The airline, which posted a headline loss of R735-million in the last financial year, wants the cockpit crews to give up their negotiated agreements.
Captain John Harty, chairman of the SAA Pilots' Association, said: "Management wants to cancel or renegotiate our agreements and terms and conditions of employment. We are taking legal advice, but it is too early to say what the outcome might be."
He said SAAPA was told that if consensus was not reached, most existing agreements would be replaced or cancelled by June.
Privately, pilots say they are willing to discuss financial concessions to assist the airline, but are not prepared to give up reasonable agreements to solve short-term problems.
SAA management says the airline is in dire straits following the events of September 11 and that it has the added burden of carrying a weak rand.
Victor Nosi, SAA's executive vice-president, communications, said: "Everyone is aware that, according to the latest results for 2001, SAA is not in a healthy financial state. It is imperative, if the company is to survive these turbulent times, that it manages its affairs in such a way that it operates at maximum efficiency and at minimum cost.
"The volatility in the currency markets and the massive depreciation of the rand against foreign currencies since September 11 has only made matters worse. This depreciation means an increase in, among other things, the cost of fuel, maintenance, landing and navigational rights."
He urged SAAPA to accept the airline's bona fides during negotiations. Talks began this week to ensure the continued viability of the airline and to safeguard the employment of association members and others at SAA.
"It is important to stress that the company is in a survival mode and requires the cooperation not only of the association, but also that of all other recognised unions and their members if it is to survive. The changes proposed by the company are an absolute necessity. Maturity and objectivity will be required in the negotiations if the parties are to succeed." <hr></blockquote>