SA Cabin Crew Association disappointed employees were excluded from FlySafair acquisition deal

The South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) is disappointed that FlySafair did not involve the union in negotiations for the proposed acquisition with Harith General Partners.

The airline announced the proposed acquisition on Tuesday, pending approval by the Competition Commission and aviation regulators.

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SACCA president Christopher Shabangu explained that the union is concerned about the lack of clarity on the funding of the deal, which will be a mix of equity and debt.

While the union was aware that a stake in the airline would be sold, it hoped to be included in discussions to highlight any implications a deal would have on employees, particularly regarding job security and changes to the ownership structure.

“We are quite disappointed that they decided not to involve stakeholders like us. If they are excluding the union, they are excluding the workers,” he said.

Shabangu added that the union would be taking steps to request regulatory bodies to ensure their voices are heard.

While the union’s goal is not to block the deal, it is requesting clarity on the potential impact on employees.

“We have been through something like this before, and it is important for us to understand who the funder is. As much as FlySafair is a private company, it does affect the workers, so it is important for us to know,” he said.

To listen to Shabangu in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, click the audio player below: