Wage talks continue between FlySafair, Cabin Crew Association

Wage negotiations are continuing between FlySafair and the Cabin Crew Association.

The union represents 65 percent of the airline's 800 cabin crew staff, and those members have been locked out by the airline.

Cabin Crew Association president, Christopher Shabangu, said that they accepted FlySafair's offer of a 5.7 percent salary increase and monthly allowances earlier this week, but shortly before signing, they discovered clauses had been included without them being consulted.

He said they were a mandate-driven union and could not sign a document that included sections members had not agreed to.

"There is nothing really much to talk about because we have agreed on their offer. All they have to do is take out one item that was not negotiated, that's all... or at least, if they want to negotiate it, we are open to it. Not only are we not on strike, we don't want to go on a strike, we want to accept their deal, we have accepted their deal. FlySafair should just act with dignity, that's all."

Ahead of another meeting on Thursday, Shabangu explained the issue they were grappling with.

"There is a lunch hour sacrifice that they've decided to include there. The law in our country says if you work a continuous five hours, you are entitled to a lunch hour. But cabin crew fly, so they don't have time to be sitting eating lunch, so we are saying, we want to sell you that time. Selling that time to them, could mean, we get off days, maybe financial compensation... that can be augmented in many other ways. You are entitled to it, but unfortunately, you can't use it because of the nature of the job, so that's all. They are the ones that don't want to discuss that."

JOIN US ON WHATSAPP

Stay ahead of the story: Join our WhatsApp channel today.

Want breaking news at your fingertips, the moment it happens? Our WhatsApp Channel is the fastest way to stay connected with the stories that matter most.

From breaking news alerts to exclusive stories, analysis and must-read features - you’ll get it all directly on your phone.

Joining is simple.

Just click Follow on our WhatsApp Channel and stay informed.