Latest news with #Cronje
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
FlySafair strike extends as union decries unpredictable roster system
FlySafair pilots represented by trade union Solidarity were set to enter a second week of strike on Monday over wages and working hours. (Wikimedia commons) FlySafair pilots represented by trade union More than 90% of the pilots represented by Solidarity have rejected The details of the offer are confidential, but Cronje said the main issue of contention is pilots' working hours which are not structured and do not allow sufficient down time. 'The strike/lockout will continue while we seek a way to get FlySafair to understand that affording an employee certain protections when it comes to maintaining a balanced life is not the same thing as giving away operational control,' Cronje said. 'The ball is now in FlySafair's court, because they know what is required to bring the strike/lockout to an end.' Pilots want one weekend off a month and a more predictable roster. The current system causes stress, exhaustion and even resignations. Additionally, a call was made to establish a flight roster/scheduling committee with 'real authority, where pilots and FlySafair management could meet at least twice a year to substantively address roster concerns', Cronje said. The airline said the proposed rostering system would limit the airline's ability to roster pilots efficiently, which would impair the passengers and the wider crew. 'As a constructive alternative, FlySafair proposed the formation of an independently chaired joint roster committee comprising both pilot and company representatives,' FlySafair said in a statement. The body would have the power to test and adjust proposed scheduling rules in a real setting before they are put in place, making sure any changes are properly assessed for their effect on productivity, safety and wellbeing, it added. 'We had hoped that our proposal, which was designed to give pilots a meaningful say in shaping their roster parameters would be well received,' said Kirby Gordon, the chief marketing officer at FlySafair. 'We're disappointed that Solidarity has chosen not to pursue this collaborative approach.' Solidarity demanded for a 10.5% increase on base salaries for pilots, as well as additional flight pay and bonuses, but the airline said it could only offer a 5.7% increase on base pay, which is 1.5% above inflation. Flights this week will operate on a stable but reduced capacity as more pilots return to duty. FlySafair said seat availability remains limited under the scaled-back schedule. The two parties will continue their negotiations under the guidance of the
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sport's Strangest Crimes podcast from BBC 5 Live returns with the scandal that changed cricket forever
Sport's Strangest Crimes: Hansie Cronje - Fall from Grace is the latest gripping six-part podcast from BBC Radio 5 Live, delving into one of the biggest sporting scandals of the modern era. Hosted by former England cricketer Mark Butcher, this series retraces the rise and fall of Hansie Cronje - from his glory days on the pitch to the secret deals, damning confessions, and an untimely death that left more questions than answers. The series begins with the now-infamous Centurion Test match - a rain-ruined draw suddenly brought back to life by a puzzling decision from Cronje. What looked like bold sportsmanship was later exposed as something far more sinister when a wiretap in India revealed damning evidence of match-fixing. Mark guides listeners through the story's many twists: offshore accounts, secret phone calls, shady bookmakers, and a shocking televised inquiry. As the pressure mounts for a deeper investigation, Cronje is killed in a mysterious plane crash, officially blamed on pilot error, but still debated to this day. With testimony from former teammates, journalists, investigators, and those closest to the case, Mark uncovers a dark world of manipulation, power and money - and the real cost of betrayal in sport. Speaking about the podcast, Mark, said: 'I played in that Centurion Test, and none of us knew what was really going on. Hansie's story is both tragic and infuriating, and there's still a lot we don't understand. This series is about going back and asking the difficult questions. Who was the real Hansie Cronje? And how deep did this all go?' The series revisits a scandal that rocked international cricket and left an indelible mark on the game. Over two decades later, the echoes of Cronje's downfall still resonate. The entire series of Sport's Strangest Crimes: Hansie Cronje - Fall From Grace will be available on BBC Sounds from Wednesday 30 July 2025 Listen to Sport's Strangest Crimes on BBC Sounds AG / MCL Follow for more
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
FlySafair pilots down tools, passengers warned to brace for delays
Trade union Solidarity says FlySafair's flights could be disrupted on Monday after almost 90% of their pilots voted in favour of a strike. Passengers using FlySafair are expected to be impacted by a two-week pilots' strike after the trade union Solidarity said the airline's flights could be disrupted after nearly 90% of their pilots voted in favour of a strike. FlySafair is set to begin the lockout of its pilots on Monday over a wage dispute with trade union Solidarity, which could disrupt flights for two weeks. Talks between Solidarity and the low-cost airline over pay and working hours have reached a deadlock. FlySafair said that 8% of its flights will not take to the sky on Monday, despite earlier reassurances that operations would not be affected by the start of the strike. Strike notice Solidarity's spokesperson, Helgard Cronje, said they have given FlySafair a notice of a one-day strike; however, the airline said it would lock out the pilots for seven days. 'This comes after almost 90% of the pilots voted in favour of a strike. Solidarity gave FlySafair notice of a one-day strike, but FlySafair hit back with a notice that it would lock out the pilots for seven days, which could last for another seven days. ALSO READ: Pilots at this airline may strike starting next week 'This forced Solidarity to extend its strike notice to 14 days as well. In the meantime, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offered to mediate again. Solidarity has agreed to this, but FlySafair is still refusing,' Cronje said. 'Reckless' Cronje said FlySafair's lockout of pilots is 'reckless towards the public.' 'Solidarity's one-day notice was aimed at forcing the company back to the negotiating table, but FlySafair has now escalated the dispute, which could last for weeks. 'The pilots are asking for their salaries to be rectified after the salary cuts during Covid-19, as well as for employment conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest and family time,' Cronje said. Passengers Cronje urged FlySafair to return to the negotiating table, while the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offered to mediate between the two parties. Despite the flight disruptions, FlySafair reiterated its commitment to balancing employee rights with the airline's sustainability. '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 Negotiations between FlySafair, Solidarity and the Pilot Union reached a deadlock last week. Unions have been pursuing wage increases and an improvement in working conditions, with Solidarity stating that 84% of its members rejected FlySafair's last proposal. ALSO READ: Planning to Fly? Acsa warns of flight delays at OR Tambo International Airport
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
FlySafair announces flight schedule changes due to potential pilot strike
FlySafair has made schedule changes affecting flights from July 22 to 28 due to potential strike action by pilots, who are members of trade union Solidarity. South African domestic airline FlySafair has announced schedule changes as a precautionary measure in light of "ongoing labour discussions". The airline said in a statement on its website that the changes will affect selected flights departing between July 22 and 28. The announcement comes after IOL reported on Wednesday that talks between trade union Solidarity and FlySafair regarding salary negotiations for pilots had reached an impasse. In their statement, the airline said affected customers would be notified of the changes. "Customers whose flight times have been affected will be contacted using the contact details provided at the time of booking. Customers are also encouraged to check the status of their bookings or make changes at no additional cost to more convenient alternative flights via the Manage Booking portal on the FlySafair website." The airline said it will continue efforts to minimise inconvenience and maintain safe, reliable services during this period. "The airline thanks customers for their patience and understanding." In their statement, union Solidarity said FlySafair's final offer – a 5,7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation – was rejected by the vast majority of its members. Solidarity deputy general secretary Helgard Cronje said the rejection was not only due to the content of the offer but also due to the tense relationship between the pilots and FlySafair's management. 'The relationship is at an absolute low,' Cronje said. The union said even before the start of the salary negotiations, a dispute over a new shift roster system had arisen – a core issue for pilots as it has a negative impact on their family life. Another obstacle in the salary negotiations, the union said, was the company's new policy on leave and days off. "Pilots believe that these policies are detrimental to their quality of life, and that they are unfavourable and do not meet minimum expectations." Strike rules are expected to be finalised under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Thursday, July 17. The first strike regarding the salary dispute could then commence a few days later, Solidarity said. The union noted that the airline is also locked in separate salary negotiations for cabin crew. THE MERCURY
News24
16-07-2025
- Business
- News24
FlySafair pilot strike looms amid deadlock over wages, leave
FlySafair pilots represented by the Solidarity trade union may strike in the coming days after salary negotiations hit a deadlock. Safair confirmed on Wednesday that the deadlock will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, which will allow the pilots to take action. FlySafair is the largest domestic airline in South Africa. Solidarity represents 210 FlySafair pilots - about two-thirds. Solidarity said the potential industrial action comes after a large majority of the union's pilots rejected Safair's final multi-year wage agreement offer, which included a 5.7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation. The union wanted a 10.5% wage increase for 2025/2026, followed by a consumer price index (CPI) plus 4.5% increase for 2026/2027, and a CPI plus 4% increase for 2027/2028. Speaking to News24, Solidarity deputy secretary-general Helgard Cronje said wage negotiations began in late April and continued into May before the dispute was declared. The wage increases were expected to come into effect on 1 July. Said Cronje: There is a lot of economic uncertainty, and a lot of pilots leave for international work. It is a difficult environment to work in. In SA, the demand is high, but the salaries are not as competitive compared to other regions [like the Middle East]. We know that FlySafair is a low-cost domestic airline, but it has gained a lot of market share in recent years. The trade union said the company also introduced a new policy on leave days and days off, which pilots believe is detrimental to their quality of life. There was also a dispute over a new shift roster system. Solidarity said it will finalise the strike rules with Safair on Thursday, under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration. Cronje said that it is likely that the first strike will take place next week. Solidarity said that Safair is also in a separate negotiations process for cabin crew, with all indications suggesting that it may also be heading towards a dispute. Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's chief marketing officer, said the airline has contingency plans in place to minimise disruptions. 'We are fully prepared to manage the situation responsibly, with contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to our schedule and service. Customers can continue to book and travel with confidence.' He said that the airline respects the right the strike certificate affords its pilots to strike, and the rights of their colleagues who choose to continue to work. 'We respect their right to raise concerns and remain committed to engaging in good faith to reach a constructive resolution that supports our people, our passengers, and the long-term viability of our business,' he said.
