Baggage handlers at Johannesburg's Lanseria International Airport have gone on strike.
About 100 workers downed tools yesterday saying airport management had failed to address their grievances.
The workers, who are sub-contracted by Protea Coin Group, claim they are being ripped off by the company. One worker who spoke on condition of anonymity said they are paid R16.90 per hour and their basic salary was R3367.52 a month.
The Chief Operating Officer of Protea Coin Group, Waal de Waal, denied the workers claims but said the security industry would start wage negotiations next month.
De Waal said yesterday’s strike was illegal and workers had been given an ultimatum to return to work or face dismissal.
"They must follow procedure,” said De Waal.
Head of baggage handlers, Isaac Maduna, said he could not comment because workers decided to take their case all the way to senior managers without consulting him.
CEO of Lanseria International Airport, Gavin Sayce, said airport operations were not affected.
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