Business Tech writes that trade union Solidarity says it has decided to extend the planned one-day strike action of FlySafair pilots on Monday 21 July to two weeks. The union said this was in response to the low-cost airline’s announcement of a seven-day consecutive lockout of its pilots. Solidarity noted that it gave FlySafair notice of a one-day strike to minimise and limit the disruption of the action on the public.
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. “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.” The union noted that 88% of FlySafair’s pilots voted in favour of the strike.
“This means that almost 9 out of 10 pilots are no longer prepared to continue to work under the current working conditions,” it said. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has already approached the parties to facilitate mediation. Solidarity said it has agreed to the process.
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. The pilots are mainly striking over a wage dispute. Most of the trade union’s members rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation measures.
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. The airline said that it proactively prepared for the strike action by adjusting its operation schedule to ensure minimal flight disruption.