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BL Premium reports that wage talks between local and regional airline FlySafair and trade union Solidarity are set to kick off on Thursday.
Solidarity’s network organiser for the aviation industry, Remon Viviers, said the union was preparing to enter into the salary negotiations with the aim of improving the employment conditions of pilots so as to limit the “exodus” of skilled personnel for greener pastures overseas. “These negotiations are of critical importance as several factors are forcing pilots to consider other job opportunities. The negotiations are not only aimed at securing competitive salaries for pilots, but also at improving their working conditions and general wellbeing,” Viviers said. He would not say what the union’s wage demands were, as talks had not yet got under way. However, the union would demand a competitive package that would stop pilots from leaving for international careers, he stated. Viviers commented further: “The union remains committed to negotiating a fair and sustainable agreement for its members and ensuring that FlySafair will be able to maintain its position as a reliable and stable airline.” Aviation expert Guy Leitch said when one looked at the standard of living and buying power, SA pilots – while “not very badly paid” – were not among the best paid in the world. “The question is: is the pay good enough to keep pilots employed locally? The answer is no,” he indicated. Meanwhile, Viviers accused FlySafair of introducing a new rostering system that has had a “significant negative impact on pilots’ quality of life”.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
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