FlySafair pilots extend their planned one-day strike to 14 days
As talks escalate, the pilots are demanding a 10% pay hike, almost double the company's 5.7% offer.
A FlySafair aircraft. Picture: FlySafair
JOHANNESBURG - FlySafair pilots represented by trade union Solidarity have extended their planned one-day strike to 14 days.
This comes amid a wage dispute between the pilots and the union, which has resulted in FlySafair's management also announcing a seven-day consecutive lock-out of their pilots.
The majority of the pilots, mostly represented by the union, are demanding a higher pay increase and have raised concerns over a new rostering system, which they claim cuts into their rest time and leave.
As talks escalate, the pilots are demanding a 10% pay hike, almost double the company's 5.7% offer.
Solidarity spokesperson Helgard Cronje said: "Solidarity initially issued a one-day strike notice for Monday, 21 July, precisely to limit disruption to the public to a minimum. FlySafair has reacted by taking the drastic step of announcing a seven-day consecutive lock-out of their pilots. This means that flights will most likely be impacted for the rest of next week."
Earlier this week, the airline announced that it was proactively taking precautionary measures by changing flight schedules for passengers from next week, Tuesday.
FlySafair also moved to reassure passengers that flights will continue despite escalating tensions with staff.