Flights cancelled as FlySafair pilots begin wage strike

However, management's confirmed that some flights have had to be cancelled on Monday after pilots, who had committed to report for duty, said they would not fly at the last minute.

Some 200 pilots, most of them represented by Solidarity, are embarking on the work stoppage this morning following a wage dispute.

The trade union says it has a 14-day strike notice.

  FlySafair's chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon told SABC News that their current pay offer and rostering changes are fair.

"The demands that are being placed on the table by the union are absolutely unattainable and it's our duty to find a balance between looking after the needs of our people and the long-term sustainability of the airline.

“Ultimately, what is key is that we do seek to foster a meaningful engagement with our pilots. They are very important to our organisation. It is our commitment to continue these negotiations in good faith."

The airline's final multi-year wage agreement offer includes a 5.7 % salary increase and additional compensation adjustments.

Solidarity is demanding a 10.5 % wage increase.

The union's Helgard Cronjé says the length of the strike will depend on whether the airline enforces its seven-day lockout of the striking pilots.

"Solidarity initially issued a one-day strike notice with the intention of limiting the impact on the public. That lockout notice is also conditional in that the Solidarity members should accept the 5,7% otherwise the lockout will be extended for another seven days. Solidarity already agreed to a conciliation meeting by the CCMA. Safair seems not to have responded."

FlySafair says passengers affected by the disruptions will be contacted directly.

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