How many still use the post office?
This was the key message from a meeting between the Post Office and Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa).
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has allocated R1.8 billion to SAPO over the next three years. However, concerns remain about the Post Office's ongoing cash flow problems.
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IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
FlySafair, Solidarity union head back to negotiating table after ‘some progress made'
FlySafair has made schedule changes affecting flights from July 22 to 28. Image: Supplied The mediation process between FlySafair and Solidarity, the labour union representing the carrier's striking pilots, is set to resume on Friday afternoon. 'We have reached a sensitive stage in the discussions and some progress has been made. Parties will reconvene on Friday at 2pm, to continue discussions,' a source at Solidarity told IOL. The strike and lockout conditions remain the same since talks began on Wednesday, the source added, and in the interim, parties have agreed to a media blackout to 'ensure the integrity of the process'. A FlySafair spokesperson told IOL that the airline continues to run a stable, reduced timetable and remains engaged in mediation with Solidarity and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The airline has reportedly entered into an agreement with South African Airways (SAA) to operate two of its daily flights under a 'passenger protection agreement'. However, there are fears that flight cancellations could be necessary next week if the strike is not resolved. That's because the pilots who are currently operating FlySafair's reduced schedule could reach their legal flying time limit by then, The Citizen reports. These regulations, designed to prevent fatigue, state that pilots cannot fly for more than 40 hours within a seven-day period. According to Solidarity, the strike was initially meant to last for one day (Monday), in order to get FlySafair to the negotiating table. But it said the airline then responded by locking out the pilots for seven days. Solidarity member pilots are demanding a 10.5% increase for 2025/26, with pilots claiming they're still earning 10% less than pre-pandemic levels. However, FlySafair says that this would amount to a cost-to-company increase of more than 20% once additional demands had been factored in, which it says is an unsustainable escalation for any company. The airline has offered its pilots an 'above inflation' increase of 5.7%. Next Stay Close ✕ FlySafair maintains that its pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in South Africa, with captains earning between R1.8 million and R2.3 million per year. However, the pilot roster system is a significant point of contention for pilots. ALSO READ: Why FlySafair pilots are striking - it's more than just money In a statement released earlier this week, Solidarity claimed that FlySafair's new rostering system drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, impeding their rest periods and undermining their family life. 'As pilots' workdays often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of pilots and passengers alike. 'In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours,' Solidarity said. Responding to earlier accusations that pilots were overworked, FlySafair said its captains spent an average of 63 hours in the cockpit last month, which is well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority, IATA and ICAO, which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month. This is a developing story. Stay tuned to IOL for further updates. IOL News
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
FlySafair responds to pilot strike: majority of flights operating, apologises to affected customers
The strike stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of its pilots. FlySafair confirms that while most flights are operating as scheduled, approximately 12% of services have been cancelled on Monday 21 July, due to pilots withdrawing their availability from flights that had previously been confirmed late Sunday night. All affected customers were notified via SMS using the contact details provided at booking. Customers are encouraged to check the Travel Updates page on for the latest information. Airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebooking, refunds, and alternative arrangements. 'We sincerely apologise to all affected customers. We understand the disruption this has caused and are doing everything we can to assist those involved,' says Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair. What's behind the strike? The strike stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of its pilots. While the union has framed its demand as a 10.5% increase in base salary, the full package, including flight pay, bonuses, and other benefits, equates to a 20.1% increase in total cost to company. By contrast, FlySafair's current offer includes a 5.7% increase on base salary, which is 1.5% above inflation, and when fully costed, represents an 11.29% increase in total cost to company. The airline maintains that this is a fair and responsible offer, especially in an economic climate where most companies are offering increases of around 4%. 'We must balance competitive pay with the responsibility we have to our 1,700 employees, the affordability we offer South African travellers, and the long-term health of the business,' says Gordon. FlySafair captains currently are paid between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, placing them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many earn more than members of the airline's Executive Committee. Are pilots overworked? FlySafair captains averaged 63 hours of flight time last month, well below the regulatory limit of 100 hours. For comparison, a typical full-time employee works around 160 hours per month. The airline maintains that its pilot utilisation is compliant and not excessive. Strike escalation and ongoing talks The union initially called for a one-day strike, timed to coincide with the end of the school holidays. In response, FlySafair issued a defensive lockout, a standard labour protocol. Due to the nature of airline rostering, this meant affected pilots would not be rostered for seven days. Solidarity then escalated the action to a two-week strike. FlySafair has not rejected CCMA intervention and continues to engage with the commission and the union in good faith. Commitment to customers and employees FlySafair acknowledges the disruption caused to customers and is working to minimise the impact. The airline also highlights its responsibility to its 1 700 other employees, whose livelihoods are linked to the company's financial sustainability. 'We're committed to resolving this matter constructively and quickly. Our focus is on restoring full operations while ensuring that FlySafair remains a sustainable and affordable option for South African travellers,' says Gordon. Contact: Kirby Gordon [email protected] +27 71 636 0236
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Why FlySafair pilots are striking: It's more than just money
Long queues formed at the FlySafair counters on Monday morning as the airline grappled with a labour impasse that grounded some flights. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL As hundreds bemoan the FlySafair strike, Solidarity has released a statement expressing the real reason why pilots have downed their tools - and it's not just about the money. While pilots overseas can earn up to R3 million plus housing and extras, earlier reports indicate that FlySafair pilots requested a raise. FlySafair responded stating that their Captains earn between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually, which, according to them, places the pilots within the top 1% of earners in South Africa. With regards to workload woes, FlySafair noted that its Captains spent an average of 63 hours last month in the cockpit flying passengers. It added that this is "well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority, IATA, and ICAO", which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month. While there is no doubt that that is a lot of money, the big question is: What is the point of having a full bank account if you cannot see your loved ones and your quality of life is low? According to Solidarity's statement, the improvement in the pilots' quality of life is the main issue. This is set to be tackled when the mediation process between Solidarity and FlySafair's management takes place on Wednesday. The process was requested by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act. "While the pilots are also seeking a reasonable salary increase – including to restore their compensation to pre-COVID-19 levels – improved working conditions are particularly important. A new rostering system, recently implemented unilaterally by FlySafair, has drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, which have been in place for the past decade. This new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots' family life," the union stated. "As pilots' workdays often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of pilots and passengers alike. In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The proposals to achieve a settlement include, but are not limited to: that pilots will have at least one weekend off within each five-week schedule cycle, as well as two consecutive days off to properly rest and spend quality time with their families; the opportunity for pilots to exchange shifts with colleagues in cases where family responsibilities necessitate such flexibility; that if they have to fly on their days off, they will be compensated for these days off within the next schedule cycle. Additional schedule proposals will also be submitted to FlySafair's management during the mediation. It's worth noting that Solidarity stated that if FlySafair complies with the above requests, it will be prepared to review the salary increase demand and all other related claims and be willing to compromise. This statement comes hours after FlySafair has confirmed that all flights on Tuesday's schedule are departing as planned and assured customers that disruptions have been minimal so far. IOL
