FlySafair pilots will strike on July 21 after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) issued a strike certificate to the pilot union.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, FlySafair CMO Kirby Gordon confirmed that pilots will be on a stay away on July 21. The airline received the notice from the union that they intend to strike for one day at this stage. Gordon said the airline has already made preparations and anticipates no operational disruptions.
Solidarity, the union representing around two-thirds of FlySafair pilots, has accused the airline of “declaring war on their pilots” by locking them out for seven days. “The pilots initially gave notice for a one-day strike to force FlySafair to talk. Now, FlySafair has escalated it and is locking out the pilots for a week,” Solidarity said in a statement.
In preparation for the potential strike, FlySafair has adjusted its operational schedule to ensure continued service. Flights departing between July 22 and 28 will likely be affected. So far, regional and international flights have been not been affected.
Salary negotiations between the airline and pilots reached a deadlock last week after almost 84% of Solidarity members rejected FlySafair’s proposal of a 5,7% salary increase with some additional adjustments to compensation.
