A roster system that allows for family time and adequate rest periods is a priority for pilots, the Solidarity trade union says as it prepares to meet FlySafair in a mediation process.
The CCMA will seek to help broker a deal between the airline’s management and the union today. A rostering system recently implemented by FlySafair is a bone of contention for pilots.
Solidarity said: “It has drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, which have been in place for the past decade. The new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots’ family life.
“As pilots’ work days often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and wellbeing of pilots and passengers,” Solidarity said.
“In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours.”
Solidarity will ask the CCMA to help it secure a deal that allows the following:
- Pilots will have at least one weekend off within each five-week schedule cycle and two consecutive days off to properly rest and spend quality time with their families;
- The opportunity for pilots to exchange shifts with colleagues in cases where family responsibilities necessitate flexibility;
- If they have to fly on their days off, they will be compensated for doing so within the next schedule cycle.
“Additional schedule proposals will be submitted to FlySafair’s management during the mediation. A schedule compromise will not incur any additional costs for the employer. If FlySafair complies with the reasonable requests, Solidarity will be prepared to review the salary increase demand and all other related claims and be willing to compromise.”
While some flights had to be cancelled due to a pilot strike on Monday, FlySafair has implemented contingency arrangements. This includes a reduced number of flights and a deal with SAA to operate some of its routes.
FlySafair said all flights scheduled for Wednesday were operating as planned despite the industrial action. The airline said it was operating “a reduced but stable schedule”. On Tuesday, it operated 95.2% of its reduced schedule on time, with “most of our pilots actively at work”. As part of its contingency plans, two of about 120 daily flights operated by the airline would be conducted under a passenger protection agreement with SAA.
“Our focus remains on supporting our customers and restoring full operations as quickly as possible, Kirby Gordon, FlySafair chief marketing officer, said on Wednesday. “The airline remains committed to resolving the matter constructively and will continue its engagement with Solidarity through the mediation process led by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration this afternoon.”
TimesLIVE
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