FlySafair confirms several planes grounded amid wage dispute
The company says 8% of Monday's flights have been cancelled despite earlier reassurances that operations would not be affected by the start of the strike.
A FlySafair aircraft. Picture: FlySafair
JOHANNESBURG - Some commuters will have a frustrating start to the week after FlySafair confirmed several of its planes have been grounded amid a wage dispute between pilots and the local and regional carrier.
The company said 8% of Monday's flights have been cancelled despite earlier reassurances that operations would not be affected by the start of the strike.
These flights were assigned to pilots who had confirmed their availability to fly but pulled out late Sunday night.
Trade union Solidarity issued a one-day strike notice for Monday, but FlySafair hit back with its own notice to lock out striking pilots for two weeks.
Talks between Solidarity and the regional carrier over pay, working hours, and working conditions deadlocked last week.
The union is calling for a 10.5% salary increase for pilots, while the airline is offering 5.7%.
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The company said its pilots are already among the best-compensated professionals in the country, with captains earning between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually.
The airline said the demand would result in an unsustainable escalation in costs for any company.
“We continue to engage the union in good faith with hopes of achieving a resolution,” said spokesperson Kirby Gordon.
It’s unclear at this stage if there will be additional disruptions during the week.