The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) on Sunday demanded the removal of the CEO of Comair after South African aviation authorities suspended its operations over safety concerns.
“We demand the resignation of Glen Orsmond and his executive and the withdrawal of the current threatening section 189 notice that was issued on the 1st of March 2022 to our members,” said NUMSA Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola.
NUMSA is the majority union at Comair Limited, which is based in South Africa and operates on domestic routes as a British Airways franchisee.
The union said it was dismayed at the announcement on Saturday by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) that it was suspending the Air Operator Certificate for Comair Limited and its subsidiary, Kulula.com.
The suspension of the operator certificate resulted in Comair, Kulula, and British Airways flights being grounded.
SACAA said it suspended Comair flights following a probe into the recent spate of safety incidents.
“This is a precautionary suspension for a period of 24 hours, within which the Operator must demonstrate to the Regulator that the risk and safety management systems are effective in managing potential hazards,” said SACAA.
Comair has experienced safety incidents, which SACAA said were a huge concern.
Commenting on the suspension of Comair operations, Hlubi-Majola said while NUMSA “was concerned it was not surprised” by the adverse development.
The incidents cited by SACAA included a Kulula Boeing 737-800 experiencing engine failure, a British Airways flight that had to make an emergency landing at King Phalo Airport, and another incident said to involve a landing gear failure was reported.
“We are deeply concerned about workers and the safety of the public at large given these very serious occurrences,” said Hlubi-Majola.
“We are deeply worried that the investigation that SACAA embarked on produced three-level one findings and one level two finding”.
In terms of the policies of the SACAA, a level one finding poses an “immediate risk and must be closed immediately”.
The management of Comair, which has been under business rescue for the last two years, has until today to convince the regulator that they can resolve the issues raised, otherwise the suspension will be indefinite.
“We are not surprised at these unfortunate developments as we have been warning the airline from within, of the dangers of their cost-cutting measures,” said Hlubi-Majola.
NUMSA had warned that such measures would eventually have the impact of compromising safety standards, by not giving their aircraft enough ground time for proper maintenance.
“We demand that Comair focus on running the company and implementing a clear turnaround strategy,” said Hlubi-Majola.
“They must stop cutting salaries and benefits of the lowest-paid workers in the company as this has clearly proven not to be a solution.
Hlubi-Majola said Comair CEO Orsmond does not have “the vision” to turn the organisation around, which was contributing to the crisis.
“We have expressed our lack of confidence in the current leadership led by the CEO who has a track record of closing down airlines in the past,” said Hlubi-Majola.
“We wish to insulate our ground staff and cabin crew members from the anger and frustration of passengers and customers who have been frustrated by the cancellation of flights that are squarely the fault of bad leadership.”
On Saturday, Comair issued a statement apologising to affected passengers for the inconvenience and said it was doing everything possible to restore services as soon as possible.
“Our executive team are engaging with the CAA on an urgent basis. Comair believes there is no justification for the suspension,” the company said in a statement Saturday.
