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Date
: 10/11/2003
Source: Ministry of Transport
Title: Omar: Statement on SATAWU strikes at ACSA airports
STATEMENT ISSUED BY NDIVHUWO MABAYA, MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER OF THE
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, ABDULLAH MOHAMED OMAR, ON THE SATAWU STRIKES
AT ACSA AIRPORTS
The National Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar, has noted the
strike. He recognises the rights of workers to strike within the
framework of the law as part of the collective bargaining process.
He believes that workers should not be penalised or victimised for
their participation in the strike, provided the strike is conducted
within the framework of the law.
The Minister notes that on Wednesday, 29 October, a number of
workers and trade union official were arrested. SATAWU has
protested at the arrest. Whilst defending the right of workers to
participate in a more full strike, where workers contravene the
law, then like everyone else they are subjected to action because
they are committing a criminal offence. The Minister therefore
appeals to workers engaged in the strike to do so within the
framework of the law.
The Minister does not have details of what took place at Cape Town
airport that led to the arrest. Whilst defending the right of
workers to strike, where the law has been contravened, there is
nothing the Minister can do about it.
SATAWU complains that ACSA should never have been part privatised.
The fact of the matter is that SATAWU agreed to the part
privatisation. It has a representative who serves on the Board of
ACSA. That board member will be able to tell SATAWU that ADR does
not have any undue influence over decisions in ACSA.
There is no fanatical search for profits by ACSA as alleged. It is
government policy that ACSA should treat its workers fairly and
remunerate workers adequately. In addition, the bonus system
applies also to workers. Training and skills development exist at
ACSA from which workers benefit.
The Minister is reluctant to interfere in legitimate collective
bargaining activities, including the SATAWU strike. SATAWU has not
approached the Minister despite its statement in the media. Indeed,
up to now there has been no request from SATAWU directed to
Minister. SATAWU has resorted simply to issue a public statement.
The Minister is not prepared to act on this basis.
The Minister hopes, nonetheless, that the differences between ACSA
and the trade union will be resolved satisfactorily as the strike
will not benefit anyone.
Contact: Ndivhuwo Mabaya
Cell: 082 908 0054
Issued by: Ministry of Transport
10 November 2003
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