Zuko Komisa

- FlySafair pilots began a protected strike on Monday, 21 July, following a pay dispute.
- The airline has cancelled about 8% of flights, but aims to minimise disruption.
- The standoff escalated from a one-day strike notice to a 14-day union action and a seven-day company lockout.
FlySafair pilots, represented by the trade union Solidarity, officially began a protected strike on Monday, 21 July, following an impasse in salary negotiations.
The industrial action has prompted the low-cost carrier to confirm that approximately 8% of its flights will be affected, though it aims to maintain the majority of its schedule.
Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s chief marketing officer, expressed disappointment at the breakdown in talks.
“While we respect our pilots’ rights to strike, we are disappointed that a mutually agreeable resolution couldn’t be reached,” Gordon stated.
He added that some disruptions were due to pilots withdrawing their availability at short notice. The airline has pledged to honour booked tickets and assist affected passengers with rebookings, refunds, or vouchers.
The dispute escalated sharply after Solidarity initially issued a notice for a one-day strike.
Attempts by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate the matter have so far proved unfruitful, with no agreement yet reached between the two parties.
“Our focus remains on serving passengers and maintaining safety, while hoping for an amicable resolution soon,” Gordon affirmed, as the company awaits the outcome of its lockout application.
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