CCMA about to step in over pilots strike

THE Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has been roped in to mediate the dispute between FlySafair and trade union Solidarity, in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

This comes as around 200 pilots represented by Solidarity embarked on a 14-day strike at FlySafair yesterday after wage negotiations deadlocked.

The pilots were 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.

Solidarity's Helgard Cronjé yesterday, expressed optimism following FlySafair's turnabout to engage in mediation at the insistence of the CCMA.

He said the negotiations could have begun earlier, potentially averting a strike disrupted air travel for thousands of passengers as FlySafair had to cancel 26 flights yesterday.

He expressed doubts regarding FlySafair's urgency in addressing the ongoing crisis, adding that their request to negotiate was not being taken seriously.

"FlySafair underestimated how disruptive the lockout would be. It is costing them too much and the passengers are paying the price," Cronjé said.