24 June 2020
The SACP has noted the statement released on Wednesday, 24 June 2020 by the Department of Public Enterprises on the SAA creditors meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday, 25 June 2020. The purpose of the meeting is to administer a vote on the business rescue plan produced by the SAA business rescue practitioners. The government is the guarantor of guaranteed SAA credit and is itself a major SAA creditor. Above all, it is the sole shareholder and has important rights in the business rescue process. In the national budget presented to parliament in February 2020, the government committed to adequately supporting the SAA rescue process with funds to ensure that it succeeds. The SACP calls upon the government to live up to its commitments.
From the onset, the SACP preferred a state-led restructuring process and turnaround of SAA, linked with an adoption of a wider strategy in pursuit of an integrated, affordable, reliable and safe public transport system. The SACP reiterates its categorical stance in support of the restructuring of SAA to emerge with a viable and thriving national airline – which should also offer affordable working-class flights and thus contribute to the reduction of fatalities linked with long-distance travel on our roads.
The government must protect the rights of the workers and ensure maximum employment preservation. Alternatives to retrenchment must be prioritised. A social plan adequately supporting any workers who may find themselves adversely impacted is equally important. Disruption to employment should be minimal if any at all and should be based on consensus-seeking consultation with trade unions and the affected workers.
The SACP expresses its support for workers at SAA and SA Express. The government, as stated by the Minister of Public Enterprises Cde Pravin Gordhan on Tuesday, 23 June 2020, must find funds to assist SA Express workers – who have not been paid for several months now. The SACP expresses its profound solidarity with the SA Express workers.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY | SACP
EST. 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA | CPSA
Dr Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo
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