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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