Solidarity willing to negotiate salary for better pilot schedules

The improvement in their quality of life is the main issue for pilots, Solidarity says, as the mediation process between the union and FlySafair’s management takes place on Wednesday.

While the pilots are also seeking a salary increase – including to restore their compensation to pre-COVID-19 levels – improved working conditions are particularly important, the union added.

“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.

“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,” Solidarity said.

In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life, the union said. 

Proposals to achieve a settlement include, among others, 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; and the opportunity for pilots to exchange shifts with colleagues in cases where family responsibilities necessitate such flexibility.

Solidarity said additional schedule proposals will also be submitted to FlySafair’s management during the mediation.

“A schedule compromise will not incur any additional costs for the employer. If FlySafair complies with these reasonable requests, Solidarity will be prepared to review the salary increase demand and all other related claims and be willing to compromise.”

FlySafair on Tuesday said all flights on the day’s schedule were departing as planned, despite the ongoing industrial action.

FlySafair implemented a reduced flight schedule last week in efforts to manage the impact of the strike. The airline said it communicated these changes to all affected customers through SMS and email notifications, utilising the contact details provided at the time of booking.

While two flights were cancelled Tuesday - the 4:45pm departure from Cape Town to Lanseria and the 7:30pm return flight from Lanseria to Cape Town - FlySafair said it worked swiftly to handle the situation.

The airline previously said that claims suggesting their refusal to engage with the CCMA process were incorrect and that FlySafair has maintained active participation in discussions throughout this process, as legally required to secure a protected strike certificate, and continues to engage with the CCMA in good faith.

“We know that travel disruptions can be incredibly stressful, especially when plans are made well in advance,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.

“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.”

Passengers seeking the status of their flights can access the “Manage My Booking” section on the FlySafair website. The airline also encouraged travellers to check the Travel Updates page for the most recent information, while teams at airports remain on standby to assist with re-bookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements.

Cape Times