Schoolchildren were not able to start third term, prospective job hunters had their dreams crushed, and transmigrant workers weren’t able to pitch up for the Monday morning meeting.
These are just some examples of the collateral damage in the fallout between Solidarity members and FlySafair after the cancellation of at least 26 flights from Monday, as pilots who initially committed to fly advised late on Sunday they wouldn't be available.
This comes as the impasse over the airline’s move from a fixed pattern roster to an open roster and its rejection of a 10% salary increase, saw thousands of passengers forced to reset, readjust or completely shelve their travel plans.
On day 2 of industrial action by some pilots, FlySafair operated 95.2% of its reduced schedule on time, and as part of its contingency plans. Two of about 120 daily flights operated by the airline were transferred to national carrier SAA under a passenger protection agreement.
On Wednesday, the impasse moved to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, where negotiations continued in an attempt to find a resolution to an issue that has literally darkened our skies, strategically timed by the unions to coincide with the end of school holidays.
At the heart of the trouble, according to the union, is the airline’s rostering change — a move for pilots from six days on, two days off, six days on, three days off, to an open roster system where a pilot is notified of the roster pattern shortly before the next month begins. This, they argue, will play havoc with their family and down time.
Another dispute relates to salaries, with FlySafair putting a 5.7% increase and adjustments to compensation on the table, while the more than 200 pilots affiliated with the union want a 10% salary increase and improved working conditions.
Media reports indicate that pilots' salaries are not in keeping with international benchmarks and the union has claimed the airline locked them out of negotiations, forcing their plan for a one-day strike to move to a two-week stayaway.
The airline fought back against the union's claims, saying their captains are paid between R1.8m and R2.3m a year, placing them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa — with many earning more than members of the airline’s executive committee.
Solidarity claimed the airline had the opportunity to defuse the labour dispute this past weekend and spare thousands of passengers the frustration of a strike — and it has only capitulated after widespread publicity and frustration
The airline said pilots averaged 63 hours of flight time last month, which is well below the regulatory limit of 100 hours and within industry norms.
There is no doubt that the casualties of a labour dispute are often consumers — exactly the case in this instance.
Solidarity claimed the airline had the opportunity to defuse the labour dispute this past weekend and spare thousands of passengers the frustration of a strike — and it has only capitulated after widespread publicity and frustration.
The low-cost airline is the country’s de facto national carrier — operating more consistently, widely, frequently and often cheaper than SAA.
But given the magnitude of the loss, both to the country’s economy and the huge inconvenience to consumers, as well as the safety implications given the seriousness of the role of pilots, this is a matter of national importance.
With the world's deadliest aviation accident in a decade in India last month still fresh in our minds, it would be irresponsible not to consider the mental capacity of our pilots and the need for them to be at the top of their game.
While unions are known to sometimes skew the perspective for their gain, we cannot afford for consumers to pay the ultimate price. Nor can we have unions holding consumers to ransom to suit their agenda.
While the carrier is a private company, aviation standards are a matter of national concern and government should ensure labour compliance with industry norms before it is too late.
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