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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
FlySafair denies avoiding CCMA mediation as pilots strike over pay
FlySafair on Tuesday said it was operating a reduced schedule,with only two flights cancelled: the 16:45 service from Cape Town to Lanseria and the 19:30 return flight from Lanseria to Cape Town. Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers FlySafair has refuted claims suggesting that it has refused to engage with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), asserting that it has actively participated in all required discussions throughout the process. This comes as FlySafair experienced operational disruptions on Monday as it was forced to cancel 26 flights following the lockout of around 200 pilots who have embarked on industrial action. The pilots are demanding a 10.5% baseline increase alongside adjustments to flight pay and bonuses for the next financial year, and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. They rejected the proposed 5.7% salary increase by FlySafair. Trade union Solidarity had accused FlySafair of refusing to accept the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate the dispute in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act but resolving to lock out its pilots for seven days. However, the CCMA was roped in to mediate the dispute on Monday after FlySafair cancelled 13% of its scheduled flights. FlySafair on Tuesday said it remained committed to resolving this matter constructively and will be meeting with the CCMA on Wednesday. The airline said claims that it had refused to participate in the CCMA process were factually incorrect, adding that it has actively engaged with the CCMA throughout the process, as required by law to obtain a protected strike certificate, and continues to participate in CCMA-facilitated discussions in good faith. In a bid to reassure travellers amid ongoing industrial action involving a segment of its pilot workforce, FlySafair announced that all flights scheduled for Tuesday were departing as planned. The airline said it was operating a reduced schedule which was proactively implemented last week, with all customers affected by time changes notified via SMS and email using the contact details provided at the time of booking, well in advance of their departures. It said only two flights were cancelled: the 16:45 service from Cape Town to Lanseria and the 19:30 return flight from Lanseria to Cape Town. According to FlySafair, these passengers have been directly communicated with, and their preferences respected regarding rebooking and refunds. Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, expressed empathy for affected customers. 'We know that travel disruptions can be incredibly stressful, especially when plans are made well in advance,' Gordon said. 'We're truly sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything in our power to restore full operations as quickly as possible. Our teams are working around the clock to support affected customers, and we remain fully committed to finding a fair and sustainable resolution.' Meanwhile, Solidarity on Tuesday said the improvement in their quality of life was the main issue for pilots when the mediation process begins on Wednesday. Solidarity said while the pilots were also seeking a reasonable salary increase – including to restore their compensation to pre-COVID-19 levels – improved working conditions were particularly important. However, it is the shift in working conditions that has taken centre stage, particularly following the unilateral implementation of a new rostering system by FlySafair. Solidarity said this change has disrupted established protocols that have governed the pilots' schedules for the past decade, causing a ripple effect on their work-life balance. The pilots have expressed concerns that the new scheduling system limits adequate rest periods. "This new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots' 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 wellbeing of pilots and passengers alike," the union said in a statement. "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. In the upcoming meeting under the auspices of the CCMA, it is therefore essential for FlySafair to demonstrate a willingness to ensure more flexibility in the scheduling system." Solidarity has encouraged FlySafair to show a commitment to flexible scheduling. Proposed solutions from the pilots include a guarantee of at least one weekend off within each five-week cycle to allow proper rest and family time, the ability to exchange shifts among colleagues to accommodate personal and family responsibilities, and compensation for any flights undertaken on their days off in subsequent schedule cycles. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Union criticises FlySafair's pilot lockout as reckless to the public
Pilots are ready to go on strike as they reject the salary increase proposed by FlySafair. Image: Supplied Trade union Solidarity has called on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table ahead of the pilot lockout on Monday. FlySafair's flights could be disrupted for two weeks as the company will lock out its pilots. 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 responded with a notice stating that it would lock out the pilots for seven days, which could last for an additional seven days. "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," said union spokesperson Helgard Cronjé. 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. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "According to Solidarity, FlySafair's lockout of pilots is reckless towards the public. Solidarity is calling on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table. "The pilots are asking for their salaries to be rectified after the salary cuts during Covid, as well as for employment conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest and family time." In the face of the turmoil, FlySafair's co-founder Kirby Gordon confirmed that a strike certificate had been issued to Solidarity and the Pilot Union, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He assured that the airline had made proactive adjustments to its operational schedules to limit disruptions for customers. "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. Despite the disruptions, FlySafair has 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 Cape Times
The Citizen
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
FlySafair pilots face lockout amid strike vote fallout
Negotiations have reached a deadlock after a majority of Solidarity members rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase. FlySafair pilots are demanding 10.5% for the next financial year and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. Image: Supplied FlySafair is poised for significant flight disruptions in the next two weeks following a decision to lock out around 200 pilots for seven days on the back of industrial action starting on Monday. This drastic move comes on the heels of an overwhelming 90% of the airline's pilots voting in favour of a strike over a wage dispute, igniting a standoff that could see the aviation landscape of South Africa affected for up to two weeks. The turmoil began when Solidarity, the union representing FlySafair's pilots, issued a notice of a one-day strike intended to bring the airline back to the negotiation table. However, the situation escalated when FlySafair responded with its own announcement of a seven-day lockout, which could extend for an additional week if the standoff remains unresolved. While Solidarity has given notice of a one-day strike on Monday, it decided to extend it to 14 days, intensifying the looming crisis. Negotiations have reached a deadlock after a majority of Solidarity members rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase. FlySafair pilots are demanding 10.5% for the next financial year and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. 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. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Solidarity spokesperson, Helgard Cronjé, on Sunday said the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered its mediation services once again but FlySafair has yet to accept this proposal, leaving pilot negotiations in a precarious position. Cronjé said the union's initial call for a one-day strike was aimed at prompting the airline to return to the negotiating table and find a solution to ongoing disputes over salary rectification following cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside salary concerns, pilots are seeking assurances that employment conditions will remain stable, along with adequate provisions for rest and family time. Solidarity urged FlySafair to reconsider its stance and re-enter negotiations, while the potential lockout looms closer, threatening not only the livelihoods of those involved but the travel plans of countless passengers who rely on the airline's services. "If 90% of a company's key personnel want to strike, something is seriously wrong. Solidarity is calling on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table," Cronjé said. "The pilots are asking for their salaries to be rectified after the salary cuts during COVID, as well as for employment conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest and family time." Solidarity said it regrets the inconvenience the strike may cause passengers but emphasised that this action did not stem from unreasonable demands but 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. Meanwhile, FlySafair said it has already proactively adjusted its operational schedule to ensure continuity, and no disruption to flight operations was expected. The airline said that 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. Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, said 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 "We deeply respect the rights of our employees to participate in this process," Gordon said. "It is our responsibility to balance the needs of our people with the long-term sustainability of the company. We remain committed to constructive engagement and thank our customers for their understanding as we navigate this important period." BUSINESS REPORT
The South African
4 days ago
- Business
- The South African
FlySafair flights face two-week disruption amid pilot lockout
FlySafair flights could be disrupted for two weeks as the company is reportedly planning to lock out pilots from Monday, 21 July. This is according to trade union Solidarity, which revealed that 90% of the pilots at FlySafair voted in favour of the strike. On Sunday, 20 July, the trade union revealed that it had given the airline a 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 be extended for another seven days. 'This forced Solidarity to extend its strike notice to 14 days as well. In the meantime, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to mediate again. Solidarity has agreed, but FlySafair is still refusing,' the union said. Solidarity said the one-day strike notice was intended to force the company back to the negotiating table, but the low-cost airline has now escalated the dispute, which could cause it to drag on for weeks. 'Solidarity is calling on FlySafair to return to the negotiation table. The pilots are asking for correction of their salaries after pay cuts during Covid, as well as for working conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest time and family time.' The airline's final offer, a 5.7% salary increase plus some additional compensation adjustments, was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity members. Meanwhile, the airline has assured that it has implemented strong contingency plans to minimise disruptions to travellers. 'We still have flights operating with pilots not taking part in the industrial action that is planned for Monday, and all flights are due to depart as scheduled.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
