Trade union Solidarity said a strike at local and regional airline FlySafair could commence in a few days after wage talks that began three months ago deadlocked.
The union is demanding a three-year wage deal for increases of 10.5% in year one, consumer price inflation (CPI) plus 4.5% and CPI plus 4% in the outer years of the agreement. Solidarity deputy general secretary Helgard Cronje said the airline was offering a 5.7% increase in the first year and CPI plus 1.5% in the second and third years. SA’s inflation rate meanwhile edged up from March’s 2.7% to 2.8% in April.
Cronje said FlySafair’s offer was rejected by the vast majority of their members.
“The rejection is not only due to the content of the offer; it is especially due to the extremely tense relationship between the pilots and FlySafair’s management. The relationship is at an absolute low,” Cronje said.
The union was left disgruntled after FlySafair introduced a new rostering system that Solidarity said had a “significant negative impact on pilots’ quality of life”.
The roster dispute, said Cronje, was a separate matter that could trigger another possible strike “after the strike over the salary increase has ended”.
“Another obstacle in the salary negotiations was the company’s new policy on leave and days off. Pilots believe that these policies are detrimental to their quality of life, and that they are unfavourable and do not meet minimum expectations. Solidarity and FlySafair will finalise the strike rules on July 17, under the guidance of the CCMA. The first strike regarding the salary dispute could then commence a few days later,” Cronje said.
“These negotiations can be seen as a failure in labour relations. The poor relationship between management and pilots has now led to the public bearing the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict.”
FlySafair chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon said: “FlySafair confirms that negotiations with its pilot group, represented by the trade union Solidarity, have reached a deadlock. As noted in Solidarity’s statement, this development will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action.”
He said the airline remained 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. We are fully prepared to manage the situation responsibly, with contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to our schedule and service,” Gordon said.
“The strike certificate gives union members the right to embark on protected strike action following the required 72 hours’ notice to the airline. We respect the right that this certificate [affords] our pilots, and equally the rights of their colleagues who choose to continue to work.”
FlySafair said it valued its 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”.
“We believe in building a sustainable aviation industry in SA — one that retains talent, prioritises wellbeing and delivers exceptional service. We are confident in our team’s ability to navigate this period with professionalism and care, and we thank our passengers for their continued trust,” Gordon said.
If the strike goes ahead, it would come months after a debilitating strike by SAA pilots left travellers stranded and cost the national carrier millions.
SAA pilots downed tools in December, demanding a 30% salary increase, which was later revised to 15.7% plus associated benefits.
The strike, which left travellers stranded when at least five routes were cancelled, ended days later when management added an additional 1% salary increase to its offer, resulting in a total salary increase of 9.47% for SAA pilots.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.