SAA avoids December crisis

 South African Airways (SAA) announced late on Saturday that the pilots’ strike, which began on 5 December 2024, has been suspended.

This resolution follows successful negotiations between SAA Executive Management and the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA).

The strike arose from a wage dispute between SAA management and its pilots. The SAA Pilots Association sought an increase of 15.7% for its members, while the airline initially offered 8.5%.

Members of the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA) voiced dissatisfaction with the airline’s initial salary increase proposal, arguing that it fell short of addressing rising living costs and did not adequately acknowledge their role in the company’s recovery.

The industrial action caused significant disruptions, including widespread flight cancellations and delays, leaving passengers frustrated and intensifying pressure on both sides to reach a resolution.

Management has offered an additional 1% salary increase, resulting in a total salary increase of 9.47% for SAA pilots.

“As part of the agreement that broke the deadlock in wage negotiations, engagements on a continuous enterprise improvement program will continue over the next eight weeks,” Professor John Lamola, interim SAA CEO, said.

“We are committed to implementing work-life concessions that should enhance the productivity of our world-acclaimed pilots.”

SAA is expected to return to a 100% flight schedule by Sunday, 8 December 2024, with more than 100 pilots returning to their duties by 12h00 on Saturday, 7 December 2024.

Customers are advised to visit the SAA website www.flysaa.com and social media platforms for updates on the SAA flight schedule.