Union Cites Management Intransigence as Key Reason for Strike
Solidarity officials stated that the airline’s refusal to meet worker demands left pilots with no alternative but to take industrial action. “When faced with the company’s uncompromising stance, we had no choice but to escalate our initial one-day protest to a full two-week strike,” a union spokesperson explained.
ALSO READ: Deadly Fire Devastates Kennedy Road Settlement, Claims The Lives Of A Woman And Toddler
The pilots are seeking a 10% salary adjustment along with enhancements to their working conditions. This follows FlySafair’s rejected offer of a 5.7% wage increase, along with minor compensation adjustments, which union members overwhelmingly rejected.
FlySafair Pilots to Begin Two-Week Strike over unfair salaries-Image Source@flysafairAirline Implements Controversial Lockout Measure
The labour dispute intensified when FlySafair management issued a seven-day lockout notice for Solidarity-represented pilots. Union leaders condemned this move, stating it demonstrates the airline’s willingness to prolong labour unrest. “This aggressive tactic virtually guarantees flight disruptions throughout the coming fortnight,” the union warned.
Financial Health of Airline Questioned Amid Executive Share Sales
Solidarity has raised concerns about FlySafair’s financial priorities, noting recent multi-million rand share sales by top executives.
“While pilots fight for fair compensation, senior management including CEO Elmar Conradie and CFO Pieter Richards have reportedly profited over R90 million from share transactions,” the union stated, suggesting these actions might conflict with the airline’s licensing requirements.
ALSO READ: Zimbabwean Man Arrested with Explosives and Medicine in South Africa
The impending strike action threatens to cause significant disruption to FlySafair’s flight schedule, with the union advising passengers to anticipate cancellations and delays throughout the two-week period.