FlySafair hopes wage negotiations will bring a solution suitable for both parties
The airline is offering a 5.7% wage increase, and the union is demanding a 10.5% increase.
FlySafair pilots begin returning to work as limited flights resume. Photo: Katlego Jiyane
CAPE TOWN - FlySafair said it's hoping wage negotiations currently taking place with trade union Solidarity will bring a solution suitable for both parties.
The two parties resumed their CCMA-led wage negotiations in Pretoria on Wednesday afternoon.
The airline is offering a 5.7% wage increase, and the union is demanding a 10.5% increase.
READ: FlySafair say it is committed to finding resolution to demands of striking pilots
However, Solidarity has indicated that it's willing to negotiate downwards only if FlySafair meets some of their working conditions demands first.
Disgruntled pilots stopped flying, demanding better pay and improved working conditions and leaving the airline operating at a limited capacity.
Flysafair's chief marketing manager, Kirby Gordon, said most of the demands were in place already.
"The issue is a little bit more than that at this stage in terms of lots of those demands around the particular roster. As I say, many of these are already in place in the current system. So, imagine that's a big topic of conversation that's ongoing right now as we speak."
Gordon added that he hopes for a positive outcome.
"We certainly want to try and resolve this matter as soon as possible and I think all parties are aligned on that. The reality is that an industrial action doesn't serve anybody at the end of the day. You have pilots that are sitting at home not earning an income, and you have an airline that is also suffering on the backend of it."