By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Trade Union Solidarity plans to submit a counter-settlement proposal to FlySafair after rejecting the latest offer from the airline at the weekend.
Details of the offer tabled by FlySafair on Saturday remain confidential, but Solidarity said disagreements over the company’s three-year pay offer and shift rostering system remained unresolved.
In February FlySafair replaced its fixed scheduling system, which provided pilots with a predictable roster over an extended period, with one that generated a new schedule monthly.
Fullview understands by 5pm on Sunday, 90% of the pilots who belong to Solidarity had voted on the company’s latest offer, and 90% of them had rejected it and had mandated the union to continue the strike.
Solidarity General Secretary Gideon du Plessis confirmed the overwhelming rejection and ongoing industrial action.
“Ninety-point-four percent of the pilots have rejected the final offer and indicated that they are willing to strike further.”
In an effort to break the deadlock, Solidarity plans to submit a counter-settlement proposal to the company by midday on Monday.
“Solidarity will make a settlement proposal to the company by midday (Monday), with the hope that we can then get together tomorrow (Tuesday) to hopefully try and settle this matter. The CCMA will also approach both parties to see if we are willing to meet tomorrow,” said du Plessis.
Although the original wage demand stood at 10.5%, du Plessis confirmed the union has since moderated its position.
“That demand is not what we are asking for anymore. It’s closer to 7%, and the offer that was made is basically in that range.”
However, the union maintains that the dispute extends beyond salary negotiations. Core to the pilots’ demands are concerns over rest periods, mental health, and long-term well-being.
“The changes that they wish to make to the shift roster system is to allow them more rest periods, but also more quality life and a work-life balance, which is currently not the case,” said du Plessis.
FlySafair said it would continue to operate a reduced flight schedule this week. About a third of its pilots are on strike, and the airline is carrying about 30% fewer passengers than usual.