Holiday Travel Relief As Saa Pilot Strike Suspended

The strike by South African Airways SAA pilots has been suspended just two days after it began, following successful negotiations between the airline and the SAA Pilots Association SAAPA. The strike, which started on Thursday, caused significant disruptions for travelers and posed a financial threat to the state-owned airline just ahead of the peak holiday season.

SAAPA had initially demanded a 15.7 salary increase, but SAA had offered an 8.46 increase, backdated to April, which was rejected by the pilots. The pilots picketed outside SAA's office in Kempton Park at OR Tambo International Airport, leading to disruptions on local, regional, and international routes. The strike was suspended in the early hours of Saturday morning, signaling the end of the immediate disruption while negotiations continue.