FlySafair pilots face lockout amid strike vote fallout

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.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

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.