FlySafair denies avoiding CCMA mediation as pilots strike over pay

FlySafair has refuted claims suggesting that it has refused to engage with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), asserting that it has actively participated in all required discussions throughout the process.

This comes as FlySafair experienced operational disruptions on Monday as it was forced to cancel 26 flights following the lockout of around 200 pilots who have embarked on industrial action. 

The pilots are demanding a 10.5% baseline increase alongside adjustments to flight pay and bonuses for the next financial year, and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. They rejected the proposed 5.7% salary increase by FlySafair.

Trade union Solidarity had accused FlySafair of refusing to accept the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate the dispute in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act but resolving to lock out its pilots for seven days.

However, the CCMA was roped in to mediate the dispute on Monday after FlySafair cancelled 13% of its scheduled flights.

FlySafair on Tuesday said it remained committed to resolving this matter constructively and will be meeting with the CCMA on Wednesday.

The airline said claims that it had refused to participate in the CCMA process were factually incorrect, adding that it has actively engaged with the CCMA throughout the process, as required by law to obtain a protected strike certificate, and continues to participate in CCMA-facilitated discussions in good faith.

In a bid to reassure travellers amid ongoing industrial action involving a segment of its pilot workforce, FlySafair announced that all flights scheduled for Tuesday were departing as planned. 

The airline said it was operating a reduced schedule which was proactively implemented last week, with all customers affected by time changes notified via SMS and email using the contact details provided at the time of booking, well in advance of their departures.

It said only two flights were cancelled: the 16:45 service from Cape Town to Lanseria and the 19:30 return flight from Lanseria to Cape Town. 

According to FlySafair, these passengers have been directly communicated with, and their preferences respected regarding rebooking and refunds.

Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, expressed empathy for affected customers.

“We know that travel disruptions can be incredibly stressful, especially when plans are made well in advance,” Gordon said.

“We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything in our power to restore full operations as quickly as possible. Our teams are working around the clock to support affected customers, and we remain fully committed to finding a fair and sustainable resolution.”

Meanwhile, Solidarity on Tuesday said the improvement in their quality of life was the main issue for pilots when the mediation process begins on Wednesday.

Solidarity said while the pilots were also seeking a reasonable salary increase – including to restore their compensation to pre-COVID-19 levels – improved working conditions were particularly important.

However, it is the shift in working conditions that has taken centre stage, particularly following the unilateral implementation of a new rostering system by FlySafair.

Solidarity said this change has disrupted established protocols that have governed the pilots' schedules for the past decade, causing a ripple effect on their work-life balance.

The pilots have expressed concerns that the new scheduling system limits adequate rest periods.

"This new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots’ family life. As pilots’ workdays often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and wellbeing of pilots and passengers alike," the union said in a statement.

"In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours. In the upcoming meeting under the auspices of the CCMA, it is therefore essential for FlySafair to demonstrate a willingness to ensure more flexibility in the scheduling system."

Solidarity has encouraged FlySafair to show a commitment to flexible scheduling. Proposed solutions from the pilots include a guarantee of at least one weekend off within each five-week cycle to allow proper rest and family time, the ability to exchange shifts among colleagues to accommodate personal and family responsibilities, and compensation for any flights undertaken on their days off in subsequent schedule cycles.

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