SAA says it's still flying despite pilots downing tools
Pilots contended with the scorching weather on Thursday while the national carrier's pilots picketed outside its offices amid a wage dispute.
South African Airways planes. Picture: Facebook
JOHANNESBURG - South African Airways (SAA) says it's still flying despite an ongoing strike by its pilots.
Pilots contended with the scorching weather on Thursday while the national carrier's pilots picketed outside its offices amid a wage dispute.
The workers affiliated with the South African Airways Pilots’ Association had demanded a 30% salary hike - which was subsequently revised down to 15,7% (plus associated benefits).
SAA then offered the pilots an 8.46% backdated raise to April 2024.
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They grounded their planes leaving many customers stranded and unable to travel.
While some passengers have complained about a lack of communication from the company, SAA insists it is business as usual.
"We, above all, want to apologise for the inconvenience that has been caused the problems and the glitches that we have had in our communication. We could not communicate as early as we could have because until late last night, were very optimistic that what we have offered the leadership of SAAPA will be acceptable to the pilots and we wouldn’t have gone to where the strike will materialise," said SAA’s interim CEO - John Lamola.