Workers have begun striking at South Africa’s troubled state-owned airline over nearly 1,000 expected job cuts, with flights canceled for at least two days.
South African Airways has warned that the strike that began Friday morning “endangers the future of the airline.”
The airline canceled nearly all the international and domestic flights it operates on Friday and Saturday.
South African Cabin Crew Association and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa members picket at the SAA Airways Park in Kempton Park, South Africa, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. South Africa's troubled state-owned airline has begun canceling flights after two unions announced their workers would go on strike to protest nearly 1,000 expected job cuts. (AP PhotoThemba Hadebe)
The South African Cabin Crew Association and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa announced the strike shortly after the airline said it is launching a restructuring process that could affect nearly 950 employees.
The airline says its challenges include insufficient revenue and an aging fleet. It also currently lacks a permanent CEO.
SAA’s international destinations include New York, London, Hong Kong and Frankfurt.
South African Cabin Crew Association and the National Union of Metalworkers members picket at the SAA Airways Park in Kempton Park, South Africa, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. South Africa's troubled state-owned airline has begun canceling flights after two unions announced their workers would go on strike to protest nearly 1,000 expected job cuts. (AP PhotoThemba Hadebe)