Union Solidarity says it has decided to extend the planned one-day strike action of FlySafair pilots on Monday 21 July to two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The union said this was in response to the low-cost airline’s announcement of a seven-day consecutive lockout of its pilots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solidarity noted that it gave FlySafair notice of a one-day strike to minimise and limit the disruption of the action on the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it said FlySafair’s response to this was “drastic” and indicated that the airline was “opting” for a prolonged and destabilising conflict, planning for the strike to be extended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This means that no flights can be guaranteed for the next two weeks,” Solidarity said. “Unfortunately, this means passengers will be experiencing disruptions for the next two weeks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The union noted that 88% of FlySafair\u2019s pilots voted in favour of the strike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This means that almost 9 out of 10 pilots are no longer prepared to continue to work under the current working conditions,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has already approached the parties to facilitate mediation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solidarity said it has agreed to the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It added that it regrets the inconvenience the strike may cause passengers, but said that this action stems from months of frustration over a lack of fair treatment, insufficient and irregular rest periods, a healthy balance between work and family life and fair remuneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pilots are mainly striking over a wage dispute. Most of the trade union\u2019s members rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon confirmed on Thursday that a strike certificate had been issued to Solidarity and the Pilot Union following a CCMA meeting held on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The airline said that it proactively prepared for the strike action by adjusting its operation schedule to ensure minimal flight disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Customers whose future travel plans have been affected by these adjustments have already been notified via the contact details provided at the time of booking,” Gordon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Travellers wishing to review their flight details or, if affected by rescheduling, change to a more convenient option may do so free of charge via the Manage Booking section at flysafair.co.za.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The airline said it deeply respects the rights of employees to participate in the strike process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is our responsibility to balance the needs of our people with the long-term sustainability of the company.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We remain committed to constructive engagement and thank our customers for their understanding as we navigate this important period.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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