SAA pilots suspend strike and receive 9.47% salary increase

The pilots had initially wanted a 30% increase, which was later adjusted to 15%, while also demanding a change in SAA management.

The South African Airways (SAA) pilots’ strike is over.

Executive management reached an agreement with the SAA Pilots Association, ending the strike at 2am this morning.

The deal will see the pilots receive an additional 1% on top of SAA’s previous offer, bringing their total salary increase to 9.47%.

Full flight schedule from Sunday

The national carrier will return to their full flight schedule from December 8, while 100 pilots have confirmed they will return to work from 12pm on December 7.

Professor John Lamola, interim CEO of SAA, said the deal included a business improvement program that will be implemented over the next two months.

“We are committed to implementing work-life concessions that will improve the productivity of our world-renowned pilots,” Lamola said.

“SAA extends its sincere thanks to our valued customers for their patience, understanding and support during this period,” SAA said.

Updated flight schedules can be viewed on all social media platforms and the SAA website.

‘Millions’ spent on education

On Friday, flight crews vowed to continue industrial action “indefinitely” unless the airline met their demands.

In addition to wage demands, the pilots also want a change in management, as they believe the hierarchy threatens to ruin the airline’s viability.

Sympathy for the pilots is mixed, as some believe they live lives of luxury. However, one pilot speaks The citizen disagreed.

“We are not fat cats, as SAA and the media like to portray us,” the pilot said.

“Pilots have spent millions on education, thousands each year on staying up to date on our competencies, and we are responsible for the lives of all our passengers. It would be appreciated to be appreciated,” they explained.

The pilots had initially asked for a 30% pay increase, but that was adjusted to just over 15%.

SAA has 161 pilots, of which about 140 took part in the strike.

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