FlySafair seeks CCMA intervention to resolve cabin crew dispute

FLYSAFAIR will apply to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for a Section 150 intervention to expedite the resolution of a labour dispute, after members of the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) were locked out on Monday following failed negotiations.

- BANELE GININDZA

FlySafair confirms that the employer-initiated work stoppage commenced at midnight on Tuesday night, with no disruption to flights on Tuesday. The airline has secured full operational coverage over the upcoming roster cycle and remains confident that all services will continue as scheduled.

Currently, more than two-thirds of FlySafair's cabin attendants are committed to work, comprising both non-union members and union-affiliated crew who have formally accepted the company's offer. Combined with the seasonally reduced November schedule, this allows the airline to fully protect its operations, FlySafair said.

In an interview on 702 on Monday morning, FlySafair marketing manager Kirby Gordon said that while, in theory, the industrial action could go on indefinitely, the airline would appeal to the CCMA as it offered what qualified for an essential service, as the statute allows.