FlySafair flights could be disrupted for two weeks as the company is reportedly planning to lock out pilots from Monday, 21 July.
This is according to trade union Solidarity, which revealed that 90% of the pilots at FlySafair voted in favour of the strike.
HERE’S THE LATEST ON THE FLYSAFAIR STRIKE
On Sunday, 20 July, the trade union revealed that it had given the airline a notice of a one-day strike, but FlySafair hit back with a notice that it would lock out the pilots for seven days, which could be extended for another seven days.
“This forced Solidarity to extend its strike notice to 14 days as well. In the meantime, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to mediate again. Solidarity has agreed, but FlySafair is still refusing,” the union said.
Solidarity said the one-day strike notice was intended to force the company back to the negotiating table, but the low-cost airline has now escalated the dispute, which could cause it to drag on for weeks.
“Solidarity is calling on FlySafair to return to the negotiation table. The pilots are asking for correction of their salaries after pay cuts during Covid, as well as for working conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest time and family time.”
The airline’s final offer, a 5.7% salary increase plus some additional compensation adjustments, was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity members.
AIRLINE WORKS TO LIMIT DISRUPTIONS
Meanwhile, the airline has assured that it has implemented strong contingency plans to minimise disruptions to travellers.
“We still have flights operating with pilots not taking part in the industrial action that is planned for Monday, and all flights are due to depart as scheduled.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK BOUT THE FLYSAFAIR STRIKE?
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