Negotiations have reached a deadlock as FlySafair pilots rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase, which will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action.
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Trade union Solidarity warned on Thursday that nearly two-thirds of FlySafair’s pilots were gearing up for a potential strike next week due to their dissatisfaction regarding salary negotiations and mounting frustrations over working conditions.
Negotiations have reached a deadlock as FlySafair pilots rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase, which will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action.
The strike certificate gives union members the right to embark on protected strike action following the required 72 hours’ notice to the airline.
FlySafair pilots are demanding 10.5% for the next financial year and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter,
Helgard Cronjé, deputy general secretary at Solidarity, said a recent poll revealed that an overwhelming 84% of Solidarity members have rejected FlySafair's current offer, underscoring the palpable disappointment felt by many pilots.
Cronjé said the pilots felt exhausted, ignored and unappreciated, adding that there was a growing sense of neglect and burnout among members, as well as a crumbling relationship between crew and management.
“Working conditions have deteriorated, with flight schedules leading to serious exhaustion for our members. Pilots have warned that the current situation is not sustainable,” said Cronjé.
Cronjé asserted that Solidarity’s demands were not unreasonable and call for fairness, respect and transparency to restore trust in FlySafair’s management.
“The breach of trust between crew and management has reached a critical point where the future of many pilots at FlySafair is uncertain,” Cronjé said.
Meanwhile, FlySafair proactively announced schedule changes that will affect selected flights departing between Tuesday, 22 July and Monday 28 July as a precautionary measure in light of ongoing labour discussions.
FlySafair chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, said they were fully prepared to manage the situation responsibly, with contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to their schedule and service.
“We respect the right that this certificate affords our pilots, and equally the rights of their colleagues who choose to continue to work. We deeply value our pilots and the critical role they play in delivering the FlySafair experience,” Gordon said.
“We respect their right to raise concerns and remain committed to engaging in good faith to reach a constructive resolution that supports our people, our passengers, and the long-term viability of our business.”
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