Flying and drama, two words you never like to hear mentioned in the same breath.

Well sorry for you, because the Comair airport ground staff strike has kicked off and airlines are warning customers ahead of time to expect problems.

Both kulula and British Airways have told those travelling with them to expect longer queues in certain areas. Here’s Comair CEO Erik Venter talking to Traveller24:

“We have every intention to continue with our daily operations and have extensive contingency plans in place. We may experience longer queues at our check-in and baggage drop counters as each customer’s check-in process could take longer than normal.”

Passengers are being advised to check in online or at the self-service kiosks at the airports, where the Comair’s “back-up teams” are assisting it customers to minimise the impact on their travel plans.

Venter says, “We would like to give our customers the assurance that every effort will be made to ensure that they remain informed and that we will do all possible to mitigate disruption and inconvenience, as a result of  the industrial action. At this stage it is still business as usual.”

The strikes are being undertaken by staff represented by United Association of South Africa (UASA), who are asking for a 35% increase over the next three years. Comair have countered with an unconditional 7.5% increase for each of the three years, or 22,5% over a three year period.

I guess we’ll see who cracks first in due course.

[source:traveller24]

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