FlySafair informs affected customers about schedule changes as pilot strike looms

702's John Perlman gets an update from Kirby Gordon, Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.

A pilot strike at FlySafair is still looming, after negotiations with union Solidarity deadlocked over demands for better working conditions and salaries.

The trade union wants a 10.5% pay increase in the next financial year, followed by 4.5% and 4% in the next two years on the table.

It also says pilots need a more stable roster that does not interfere with their ability to plan their personal lives.

On Thursday, the two parties took their talks to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

FlySafair's Kirby Gordon reports that they were unable to find common ground, which has resulted in the issuance of a strike certificate.

This does not mean that a strike is imminent at this stage he says, as there's still a requirement to give notice of industrial action.

If and when a strike notice is issued, it would be 72 hours before the action could start.

Gordon says FlySafair is 'very confident we'll be able to continue operations without any disruption'.

But how will that be possible if Solidarity is correct in saying 200 out of the airline's 300 pilots are unionised?

FlySafair has already proactively made amendments to its schedule, Kirby says, and affected customers contacted and their flight plans adjusted as necessary.

He also points out that not all 200 Solidarity members would necessarily take part in a strike.

"It's not something anyone would do lightly as industrial action, even if it's protected, means no work no pay.... so we have to really take very seriously that the individuals participating in this strike action feel strongly about what they're doing."

Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer - FlySafair

"The fact that two thirds of the pilot base are represented by the union does not mean that necessarily that they all will participate in that strike action, it would be just a portion....We've obviously had to take an educated stance on what we believe that to be and apportion our schedule accordingly."

Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer - FlySafair

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