Solidarity says its members at FlySafair want airline to prioritise fixing their working conditions
Talks are underway between the two with salary increase demands of 10.5% in the next financial year, then followed by 4,5% and 4% in the next two years on the table
A FlySafair aircraft. Picture: FlySafair
JOHANNESBURG - Trade union Solidarity said its members at FlySafair want the airline to prioritise fixing their working conditions.
The union will be putting roster-related frustrations on the table during negotiations with the company
Talks are underway between the two with salary increase demands of 10.5% in the next financial year, then followed by 4.5% and 4% in the next two years on the table
Solidarity said that pilots needed a more stable and precise roster that does not interfere with their ability to plan their personal lives.
After a deadlock in negotiations between the union and airline, talks are underway on Thursday under the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)'s guidance.
South Africa’s largest airline is facing the threat of possible industrial action by a third of its pilots.
Solidarity said that about 84% of its members declined FlySafair’s current offer of a 5.7% salary increase.
Spokesperson Helgard Cronje said the pilots' issues were also caused by the unpredictable work roster.
"It seems as though it makes them feel like robots, they just have to fall in. There's no protective measures. The company basically views the roster system as something that's in the operational discretion and they aren't willing to consider building in rules that protect the pilots, and they don't move on that. So the roster dispute is something that we also have a strike certificate for."
Solidarity said it would give an update once the talks had concluded.