Pilots from FlySafair plan are planning to go on strike following a breakdown in salary negotiations.
South Africa’s largest domestic airline has been engaged in talks with the trade union Solidarity for over three months, attempting to reach an agreement over the employment conditions of its pilots.
FlySafair’s final offer included a 5.7% salary increase and additional compensation adjustments, but this was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity members.
In addition to the salary discussions, the air carrier has been involved in a dispute over its new shift roster system.
Pilots have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new policy, arguing that it is inflexible and disruptive and makes it harder for them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
FlySafair responded to these concerns by stating that the roster system aligns with industry standards and safe practices.
“It is designed to optimise aircraft utilisation, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately reduce costs – allowing us to continue offering competitive fares to our passengers,” it said.
Adding to the dispute is the company’s police on leave and days off.
Pilots said that the policies are detrimental to their quality of life and do not meet minimum expectations.
As a result of these grievances, FlySafair’s pilots are now set to go on strike for better pay and working conditions.
The airline’s management is scheduled to meet with Solidary tomorrow (Thursday 17 July) to finalize the rules of the strike under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The first day of the strike has yet to be announced, but is expected to take place a few days after the meeting, reported BusinessTech.
While all of this is going on, FlySafair is also engaged in separate salary negotiations with its cabin crews.
Solidarity Deputy General Secretary Helgard Cronje labelled the dispute as a failure in labour relations, stating that the 5.7% salary increase was rejected not just because of the content of the offer, but also due to the tense relationship between the pilots and the airline’s management.
“The poor relationship between management and pilots has now led to the public bearing the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict.”
FlySafair’s response
FlySafair has confirmed that the talks with Solidary have reached a dead end.
A strike certificate will therefore be issued, granting the pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action following the required 72-hour notice period to the airline.
The company reiterated that it remains committed to ensuring passenger safety, maintaining operational continuity and continuing constructive engagement with its flight crew.
“Our passengers remain a key priority through this process,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.
“We are fully prepared to manage the situation responsibly, with contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to our schedule and service. Customers can continue to book and travel with confidence.”
The company added that the ongoing dispute has not compromised its adherence to aviation safety regulations.
“We deeply value our pilots and the critical role they play in delivering the FlySafair experience,” Gordon added.
“We respect their right to raise concerns and remain committed to engaging in good faith to reach a constructive resolution that supports our people, our passengers, and the long-term viability of our business.”
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