The Citizen reports that there is growing anxiety among South African Airways (SAA) employees over their future following reports that the carrier is considering slashing 700 monthly local and international routes.  

The cuts are part of a last-ditch effort to save SAA from crashing and burning financially.  A government plan to sell off Telkom shares worth R14.4 billion to help provide money to bail out SAA was revealed in Parliament this week.  But, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba has apparently said that recapitalising the airline would only offer “temporary relief”.  The flights targeted for cuts total about 17% of the airline’s short and long haul route network and are proposed to begin in October.  SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali indicated that no consultations have been initiated with organised labour in order to reduce employee numbers and, if that became necessary, due process would be followed.  Employees say they have been left in the dark, with no contact from SAA.  

• Read this report by Yadhana Jadoo in full at The Citizen
• See too, Why Citibank pulled the plug on sinking SAA, at BusinessLive

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page