Business as usual for AA

The wage strike by Satawu members at the Automobile Association has had no impact on operations, it says.

Johannesburg - The wage strike by members of the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) at the Automobile Association (AA) has had no impact on operations, the company said on Friday.

“It is business as usual, we have contingency measures in place, there has been no disruptions in the business,” said spokesman Layton Bard. B

Bard added there were no complaints from clients so far.

However, when African News Agency called the AA switchboard on Friday asking for comment regarding the strike, a staff member said she was not able to transfer the call to management due to switchboard operators having embarked on a strike.

Bard later blamed a “technical glitch” for the problems with transferring phone calls, and said the business was operating normally.

Satawu said at least 300 workers responsible for towing, patrols, and emergency response have downed tools over wages.

“Satawu served notice of intention to strike early this week. A meeting convened to avert the strike failed to reach consensus yesterday [Thursday],” the union said in a statement.

The union is demanding a 12 percent across the board wage increase, a R9 000 minimum wage, a 13th cheque and a 60 percent company contribution to pension fund and medical aid scheme.

“The employer is only offering a six percent wage increase across the board. Also at stake is the signing of the union recognition agreement, due to a dispute regarding paid time-off and benefits for full-time shop stewards,” said the union.

Bard said the AA was ready to negotiate further with Satawu. “We never left the negotiation table, we are waiting for the union to get back to us.”

AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY