Only a handful of experts retained for new SAAF and Denel Aviation/AMG contract

Trade union, Solidarity, today announced that only 139 employees will be retained for the new contract for aircraft maintenance between the South African Air Force (SAAF) and Denel Aviation/AMG. This means that 384 employees will lose their jobs by the end of March.

Jack Loggenberg, spokesperson for Solidarity, says that of the 139 employees to be retained, 24 are members of this trade union. ‘This means that 203 of Solidarity's members will be unemployed by the end of next month. Solidarity's members constitute 52% of the 384 employees who will lose their jobs. It is most disappointing that only a handful of experts will be assured of work for the next year. The new contract is valid for 12 months. Chances are remote that the remaining employees will be redeployed within Denel or within other companies. Those employees received final notices yesterday in order for Denel to comply with the termination date of 31 March of the current contract.'

Solidarity represents 227 of the 523 aircraft specialists. These employees are stationed at various squadrons countrywide, including Hoedspruit, Lephalale (Ellisras), Louis Trichardt, Bredasdorp, Ysterplaat and Langebaan. Around 40% of the aircraft specialists are stationed in Pretoria.

Statement issued by Jack Loggenberg, Spokesperson: Solidarity, March 1 2013

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