The SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) has embarked on an indefinite strike, beginning yesterday, causing widespread travel disruptions that have coincided with the beginning of the busy December period.
This comes after a wage dispute between SAA and SAAPA, with the latter demanding a 30% pay increase. SAA only offered an 8,46% pay increase, as reported by Travel News, resulting in a deadlock in negotiations.
In response to this situation, the following travel advisory has been issued for trade partners and customers.
“Customers booked to fly on our services on the affected day will be re-accommodated to the next available flights operated by SAA. We urge our trade partners to manage their booking queues and communicate these changes to our valued customers accordingly,” SAA said in a press release.
If passengers do not want to be re-accommodated to the next available flight, the agent may select another suitable date in the same cabin class on SAA's services.
Agents are urged to communicate accordingly with affected passengers, as their contact details might not be reflected in the booking but rather in the agent's details, SAA advised.
The strike is affecting SAA-operated flights on major domestic, regional and international routes, including Mauritus, Perth and Sao Paolo.
Airports are expected to be busier than usual as passengers seek alternatives, and travellers are advised to allow plenty of time and remain flexible with their plans, Flight Centre said in a press release.
Limited flight schedule
Lamola reassured customers and the aviation fraternity that not all SAA pilots are on strike. “Despite some alterations and restrictions to the SAA schedule and services during this period, SAA remains operational and continues to serve its passengers.”
SAA said details of the limited flight schedule and re-accommodation plans have been communicated to travel agents and passengers who booked directly with SAA through the Call Centre, General Sales Agency, City and Airport Ticketing Offices, flysaa.com, and SAA mobile applications.
“This situation is regrettable, and we acknowledge the trust our customers place in us for their travel needs. We are committed to ensuring that all passengers reach their destinations despite the challenges posed by a limited schedule and necessary re-accommodations on other airlines,” Lamola stated.
