FlySafair warns pilots joining wage strike will come at a cost
Fears of disruption have grown as pilots, mostly represented by the union Solidarity, demand a higher pay increase and raise concerns over a new rostering system, which they claim cuts into their rest time and leave.
A FlySafair aircraft. Picture: FlySafair
JOHANNESBURG - FlySafair has warned pilots that joining a strike will come at a cost as the airline moves to reassure passengers that flights will continue despite escalating tensions with staff.
Fears of disruption have grown as pilots, mostly represented by the union Solidarity, demand a higher pay increase and raise concerns over a new rostering system, which they claim cuts into their rest time and leave.
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Talks have dragged, with the union securing a strike certificate if demands aren’t met, but the airline insists it has the capacity to keep its schedule running.
FlySafair said any pilot who refuses to work will not be paid for days missed and it does not expect all unionised crew to participate in a strike even if one is called.
The airline, which operates seven days a week with different pilots scheduled across flights, said this flexible structure gives it “a certain degree of grace” to keep planes in the air using non-unionised or willing staff.
It has also “heavily” considered contingency plans, including rescheduling some flights, redistributing crews and relying on management pilots, to minimise disruption to passengers.
“It’s all been carefully considered, and we are obviously approaching it as responsibly as we possibly can and we are very confident that we will be able to fulfil the requirements of the schedule.”
And while acknowledging the strain caused by the deadlock, the company insists its current pay offer and rostering changes are fair, sustainable and in line with industry practice, saying pilots’ concerns can still be resolved through dialogue.