JOHANNESBURG  – THE South African Airways (SAA) said committed towards finding a speedy resolution to 2016 wage negotiations with labour unions.

SAA commenced wage negotiations on 11 April with four labour unions that enjoy recognition and have bargaining rights within the bargaining forum.

The first round of the negotiations ended on 20 April 2016 with parties agreeing to have time to review each other’s proposals.

There were a series of subsequent meetings between the parties to the negotiations with the last meeting held on May 6.

SAA has noted media reports suggesting that 2016 wage negotiations have deadlocked between the company and one of the labour unions citing comments made by the leadership of the company during a staff briefing last Friday that the company “has money”.

“Nothing could be further from the truth!” SAA stated.

“Comments made that SAA “has money” did not imply that the airline has now become profitable.”

The airline said it remained committed to negotiating in good faith with labour unions and undertakes to continue to work together with the unions to find a resolution which will constitute a reasonably meaningful response to the expectations of the employees whilst at the same time mindful to the need for the airline to remain operationally viable.