Numsa airports protest

Photo: Numsa / Twitter

Four major airports set to be affected by Numsa protests on Tuesday

Numsa are taking their grievances to the tarmac on Tuesday, as the trade union group prepare to picket at four of South Africa’s biggest commercial airports.

Numsa airports protest

Photo: Numsa / Twitter

The National Uninon of Metalworkers South Africa (Numsa) are teaming up with the South African Cabin Crew Association (Sacca) on Tuesday to protest against a number of issues plaguing the national airline.

Why Numsa are picketing airports on Tuesday

There are a few things the trade unionists are not happy with, but the resignation of Vuyani Jarana from South African Airways (SAA) seems to top their list of grievances. They are ultimately upset that the outgoing CEO was “undermined” by government forces.

In a resignation letter published at the start of the month, Jarana outlined his reasons for stepping down, citing a lack of long-term sustainability and the inability of the company to pay wages as the reasons he was pushed overboard.

According to the letter, staff have failed to receive their pay on three separate occasions and the build-up of red tape and regulations has apparently limited Vuyani Jarana from achieving his goals.

The airports where Numsa will hold their protests

He’s now got the full backing of Numsa, who will be making their presence felt at the following four airports:

Cape Town International Airport, Durban’s King Shaka Airport, East London Airport, Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

The good news is that flights will not be disrupted due to the industrial action, which is scheduled to take place between 11:30 – 13:00. However, the group will be picketing in some very busy areas. To avoid the adverse effects of the protest action, it may be best to allow extra journey time if you’re travelling via these locations on Tuesday.

Vuyani Jarana “failed” by SAA

Phakamile Hlubi-Majola is the spokesperson for Numsa. She explained the group’s support for Jarana, and said that he had “been failed by those above him” after he left the airline on Monday:

“We believe Mr Jarana was forced out because he wasn’t supported by the SAA board or the state. They have failed in their duties and pushed him out before it was necessary. He had brought stability to the airline. Jarana won over a lot of trust from workers and unions alike, but he’s been sabotaged.”

Phakamile Hlubi-Majola