FlySafair strike ends after wage deal struck
After nearly two weeks of strike action, FlySafair and the union Solidarity have reached and signed an agreement.
Some flights were grounded after pilots downed tools over a wage dispute.
Both parties have been locked in mediated talks.
Solidarity had demanded a 10.5% wage hike, while FlySafair offered 5.7%.
They have now agreed on increases of between 6% and 6.9% over the next four years.
Solidarity’s Helgard Cronje says it’s the closest they could get to the middle ground.
" There were no winners in this process. While the agreement is an important step, there are still concerns that it only protects the most basic rights of the pilots.
"It is tragic that the employees need to strike for 12 days to get the written agreement that protects only the basic rights. FlySafair will have to change the way it approaches labour relations. The settlement won't prevent pilots from leaving if they simply keep this up."
According to Solidarity, the deal also covers travel, accommodation, and medical allowances.
Pilots will earn extra for flying more than 65 hours a month.
They will also get one 60-hour weekend off every six weeks, at least nine weekends off a year, and a minimum of ten days off each month.
FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon says they are relieved the strike is over and operations can return to normal.
" We're pleased to have reached a constructive resolution that allows us all to move forward together. Returning to our full schedule will bring about much-needed capacity back to the market, which is essential for restoring fair equilibrium and making travel more affordable again for all South Africans."
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