Comair and UASA reach settlement after weeklong strike

Comair has confirmed that the current industrial action by members, represented by UASA, has come to an end. An amicable resolution has been reached between UASA the Union, representing airport staff and the company.

Over the weekend, Comair implemented a defensive lock-out of its airport staff, who have been on strike since Wednesday, 13 April 2016. The lock-out was effective Sunday, 17 April 2016. On Monday, 18 April 2016, UASA the Union approached the South African Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for an urgent Section 150 intervention.

Both parties were open to resolve the dispute and on Tuesday, 19 April 2016, the parties agreed to a wage increase of 10% in 2016, 7% in 2017 and 6% in 2018, a total of 23% over the three year period, effective 01 January 2016.

Airport ground staff are expected to report for duty on Thursday, 21 April 2016.

The trade union, which has a 58% membership in the airport unit, initially requested a 35% increase over 3 years, while Comair was offering an unconditional 7.5% increase for each of the three years (22,5% over three year period).