SAA says government’s exploring funding options

South African Airways’ (SAA’s) administrators extended a deadline for workers to agree to severance packages after Minister for Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan said he needs time to explore funding options for the bankrupt state-owned carrier.

The business-rescue team led by Les Matuson and Siviwe Dongwana are trying to persuade labour groups to sign off on retrenchment deals as a possible alternative to liquidation proceedings, which could see the near 5 000-strong workforce made unemployed without compensation. The plan is opposed by Gordhan, who wants to instead build a new airline.

Unions now have until May 8 to agree to the offer to workers, according to a letter signed by the administrators and seen by Bloomberg News. If they refuse, all employees – whether represented or not – may be given a further three days to make up their own minds.

The Department of Public Enterprises said Friday it wants to create a national carrier that’s both publicly and privately owned, profitable and able to serve South Africa’s trade connections. SAA’s entire fleet is currently grounded as governments around the world close borders to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

© 2020 Bloomberg L.P.

Source: moneyweb.co.za