Lily+white+at+the+top+and+pitch+black+at+the+bottom,+SATAWU

SATAWU statement
=Lily white at the top and pitch black at the bottom=

SAA Technical remains lily white at the top and pitch black at the bottom. The SA Transport and Allied Workers Union wants this to change and has given management an ultimatum.

After 12 years of democracy, the SAA Technical department has vehemently refused to transform. This strategic aviation division which employs about 3000 workers has insisted on keeping top management positions for white males, refusing to adequately train black workers to let them move higher nor to acknowledge government’s employment equity act.

This is the view of SATAWU, based on a series of events that have happened in that company over the past decade. Some of the events border on blatant racism, thus the union wishes to place on record the following;

(a) Earlier this year a white employee made the following remark to a black worker “All my efforts to turn you into a white man have failed, you remain a kaffir”. He remains employed by SAA Technical even though SATAWU views this offence as warranting a straight dismissal. (b) A white technician recently assaulted a black technician and has now been rewarded with a promotion. (c) SATAWU has not been recognized at SAA Technical in spite of having 500 workers in the division. (d) Black workers who have worked as craftsmen for ten years have had no training at all while their white counterparts have now progressed to senior positions through comprehensive training programmes. (e) Over 95% of the 290 managers are white while almost all menial workers are black. (f) Nearly all team leaders are white males.

Workers belonging to SATAWU have vowed that if the division does not improve its record on race relations and transformation, they will embark on an indefinite strike action within one month should negotiations not produce concrete results.

SATAWU is of the view that aviation is a very a strategic component of our national economy. Moreover it also plays a pivotal role in defining South Africa and its national identity to the rest of the world. It therefore has a responsibility to be in the forefront of government’s transformation programmes.

We demand therefore that it demonstrates commitment towards transformation immediately. We further warn management of SAA Technical that unless they do this, the aviation industry will be plunged into chaos. We will mobilize all our members in the sector to make sure that our point is made, our resolution is felt and the division eradicates all forms of racism and complies with the EEA and other progressive legislation.

SATAWU will no longer tolerate white domination in SAA Technical or any other division or subsidiary of SAA. Further info: Ronnie Mamba 082 646 5353; Randall Howard 082 564 6298;** **Ike Monosi 083 268 0396; Saki Tlou 082 509 6771**


 * //Below is a break down of senior employees of SSA Technical://**


 * __Executive Level:__**
 * Blacks: 1 FEMALE**
 * Coloureds: NONE**
 * Asians: 2 MALES**
 * Whites: 7 MALES, 2 FEMALES (1 JUST RESIGNED)**


 * __Senior Management level:__**
 * Blacks: 3 MALES**
 * Coloureds: NONE**
 * Asians: 2 MALES**
 * Whites: 30 MALES, 2 FEMALES (1 RESIGNED)**


 * __Junior Management Level:__**
 * Blacks: 3 MALES, 2 FEMALES**
 * Coloureds: NONE**
 * Asians: 2 MALES, 1 FEMALE**
 * Whites: 40 MALES, 7 FEMALES**


 * __Supervisory Level (Technical)__**
 * Blacks : 2 MALES**
 * Coloureds: 4 MALES**
 * Asians: 4 ASIANS**
 * Whites: 165 MALES**


 * __Senior Technicians (SLT)__**
 * Blacks: 6 MALES**
 * Coloureds: 7 MALES, 2 FEMALES**
 * Asians: 16 MALES**
 * Whites: 320 MALES**

589 words
 * Issued by Ronnie Mamba**
 * National Media Officer**
 * SATAWU**
 * 011 333 6127**
 * 082 646 5353**