SAA calls off wage talks

"The decision to call off the negotiations is a result of the striking Satawu members' disregard for the picketing rules and intensified unruly behaviour," he said in a statement.

"Since Wednesday (28 August), striking Satawu members were involved in erratic acts of intimidation, trespassing and damage to property."

Tlali said picketing Satawu members had held a "drive-slow" on Jones Road, which leads to SAA and SAA Technical premises. Striking workers had also disrupted traffic flow by occasionally parking their vehicles in the road.

"SAA's group security department has also received reports of severe intimidation of passing motorists and alleged assault of members of the public and employees of the company," he said.

"SAA Technical has successfully applied for an interdict which will strengthen the law enforcement agencies' ability to deal with any acts of criminality associated with the picketers," he added.

Tlali said the strike action had not noticeably affected SAA's operations, causing on average only three delays a day.

Satawu was not available for comment about the suspension of negotiations.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge