FlySafair, South Africa’s biggest airline, is facing a strike by its pilots after salary negotiations between the airline and its pilots, represented by the trade union Solidarity, collapsed after three months of talks.
The airline’s final offer is for a 5.7% salary increase, along with some compensation adjustments, but it was rejected by the majority of union members.
Solidarity attributes the breakdown not only to the offer itself but to what it describes as a deteriorating relationship between pilots and management.
“The relationship is at an absolute low,” said Solidarity deputy general secretary Helgard Cronje.
Issues surrounding a recently implemented shift roster system, which pilots argue negatively affects family life, have further contributed to the impasse. The roster dispute, although separate, could become the focus of additional strike action once the current salary issue is resolved, according to Solidarity.
Pilots have also raised concerns over the airline’s leave and day-off policies, saying these policies fall short of acceptable standards.
Strike rules are expected to be finalised on 17 July with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), after which a protected strike could commence following the legally required 72-hour notice period.
FlySafair, in a statement issued on 16 July, confirmed the deadlock and the impending strike certificate. However, the airline has assured passengers that it is taking all necessary steps to minimise disruption.
“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,” added Gordon.
He emphasised that the airline remains fully compliant with all aviation safety regulations and respects the rights of both striking and non-striking staff.
“We deeply value our pilots and the critical role they play in delivering the FlySafair experience. 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.”
The airline is also engaged in separate salary negotiations with cabin crew, which are reportedly also heading toward a dispute.
“These negotiations can be seen as a failure in labour relations,” said Cronje. “The poor relationship between management and pilots has now led to the public bearing the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict.”