Mango warns of flight disruptions amid pilot strike
Trade union Solidarity says their members embarked on an indefinite national strike at the local airline from Monday morning, after wage negotiations deadlocked.
Solidarity's spokesperson, Deon Reyneke, says their members maintain they are paid way below market.
"Our members receive between 23 and 40 % less than market. We are demanding an 8.5 % salary increase."
Mango is offering a 6 % increase.
The parties met on Sunday afternoon, but Reyneke says Mango refused to discuss their wage demands.
"They were very arrogant. Didn't want to discuss with us. So, pilots, first officers and junior officers are on strike."
He warns that since Solidarity represents 94 % of the group, the strike would force Mango to cancel flights.
"We don't want to kill the company, but our members feel very strong about the issue and they are more than willing to strike for as long as it takes."
Mango sent out Tweets early on Monday morning, apologising for any inconvenience caused.
Mango is urging passengers to call 086 10 10 216 to stay up to date with the status of flights.