NUMSA is shocked that Comair has been placed under business rescue

6 May 2020

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa is shocked and dismayed at the announcement by Comair that it is placing the airline under business rescue.

In a statement which Comair released to the media the management says the following:

“Now that the phased lockdown has been extended the grounding is likely to endure until October or even November. These extraordinary circumstances have completely eroded our revenue base while we are still obliged to meet fixed overhead costs. The only responsible decision is to apply for business rescue.”

This is a shocking development for workers and our members at the airline, who first heard about this issue through the media. The CEO Wrenelle Stander decided to communicate to the media first, without informing employees or informing NUMSA, as the only recognized trade union. Once again the leadership of Comair is insensitive to its own employees and has not considered the emotional and psychological impact of making such an announcement in the media, without engaging employees first.

This announcement was made against the backdrop of looming retrenchments after the airline served us with section 189 in March. We have not yet met for the first consultation on this because of the lockdown, and we are still waiting for CCMA to confirm a date. We are expecting to meet with the management soon to get more details on how this process will affect operations. We remain committed as always to doing everything possible to save as many jobs as we can. 

Aluta continua!

The struggle continues!

Issued by Irvin Jim, NUMSA General Secretary, 6 May 2020