Saa Pilots Threaten Strike Amid December Peak Season

South African Airways SAA pilots have officially warned the airline of their intent to strike, with industrial action set to begin this Thursday, Cape town Etc reports.

The timing is particularly critical, coming just a week before the December school holidays and the peak holiday travel season. The move raises concerns over potential disruptions to both domestic and international flight schedules as the airline braces for one of its busiest times of the year.

SAA responded to the strike threat on Tuesday evening, stating that the airline is doing everything possible to avert the industrial action. However, the airline's management warned that meeting the pilots current salary demands could force SAA into financial collapse.

The dispute centres on a long-running negotiation over salary increases. The South African Airways Pilots Association SAAPA initially requested a substantial 30 raise in May, citing inflationary pressures and the airlines recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

BusinessTech reported that the union later revised its demand to a more modest 15.7, including benefits. In contrast, SAA has offered an 8.46 wage increase, retroactively applied from 1 April.