FlySafair strike worsens with more flight cancellations expected
The dispute is centred around a wage increase, but also working conditions and hours.
The strike caused major disruptions across and delays across South Africa on Monday, with many people expecting to travel home at the conclusion of the winter school holidays.
Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, aviation expert Guy Leitch believes it's likely to be a protracted strike action.
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The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
FlySafair responds to pilot strike: majority of flights operating, apologises to affected customers
The strike stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of its pilots. FlySafair confirms that while most flights are operating as scheduled, approximately 12% of services have been cancelled on Monday 21 July, due to pilots withdrawing their availability from flights that had previously been confirmed late Sunday night. All affected customers were notified via SMS using the contact details provided at booking. Customers are encouraged to check the Travel Updates page on for the latest information. Airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebooking, refunds, and alternative arrangements. 'We sincerely apologise to all affected customers. We understand the disruption this has caused and are doing everything we can to assist those involved,' says Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair. What's behind the strike? The strike stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of its pilots. While the union has framed its demand as a 10.5% increase in base salary, the full package, including flight pay, bonuses, and other benefits, equates to a 20.1% increase in total cost to company. By contrast, FlySafair's current offer includes a 5.7% increase on base salary, which is 1.5% above inflation, and when fully costed, represents an 11.29% increase in total cost to company. The airline maintains that this is a fair and responsible offer, especially in an economic climate where most companies are offering increases of around 4%. 'We must balance competitive pay with the responsibility we have to our 1,700 employees, the affordability we offer South African travellers, and the long-term health of the business,' says Gordon. FlySafair captains currently are paid between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, placing them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many earn more than members of the airline's Executive Committee. Are pilots overworked? FlySafair captains averaged 63 hours of flight time last month, well below the regulatory limit of 100 hours. For comparison, a typical full-time employee works around 160 hours per month. The airline maintains that its pilot utilisation is compliant and not excessive. Strike escalation and ongoing talks The union initially called for a one-day strike, timed to coincide with the end of the school holidays. In response, FlySafair issued a defensive lockout, a standard labour protocol. Due to the nature of airline rostering, this meant affected pilots would not be rostered for seven days. Solidarity then escalated the action to a two-week strike. FlySafair has not rejected CCMA intervention and continues to engage with the commission and the union in good faith. Commitment to customers and employees FlySafair acknowledges the disruption caused to customers and is working to minimise the impact. The airline also highlights its responsibility to its 1 700 other employees, whose livelihoods are linked to the company's financial sustainability. 'We're committed to resolving this matter constructively and quickly. Our focus is on restoring full operations while ensuring that FlySafair remains a sustainable and affordable option for South African travellers,' says Gordon. Contact: Kirby Gordon [email protected] +27 71 636 0236
The Herald
12 hours ago
- The Herald
Flights reduced but stable amid partial pilot strike, FlySafair says
FlySafair says all flights scheduled for Wednesday are operating as planned despite industrial action by a portion of its pilot workforce led by Solidarity. The airline said it is operating 'a reduced but stable schedule'. On Tuesday, it operated 95.2% of its reduced schedule on time, with 'most of our pilots actively at work'. As part of its contingency plans, two of about 120 daily flights operated by the airline will be conducted under a passenger protection agreement with SAA. 'Our focus remains on supporting our customers and restoring full operations as quickly as possible, said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's chief marketing officer. 'The airline remains committed to resolving the matter constructively and will continue its engagement with Solidarity through the mediation process led by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration this afternoon.' TimesLIVE
The Herald
14 hours ago
- The Herald
Family time request by pilots is reasonable, union says ahead of CCMA meeting with FlySafair
A roster system that allows for family time and adequate rest periods is a priority for pilots, the Solidarity trade union says as it prepares to meet FlySafair in a mediation process. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) will on Wednesday seek to help broker a deal between the airline's management and the union. A rostering system recently implemented by FlySafair is a bone of contention for pilots. Solidarity said: "It has drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots which have been in place for the past decade." "The new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots' family life. "As pilots' work days often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of pilots and passengers. "In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours." Solidarity will ask the CCMA to help it secure a deal that allows: Pilots will have at least one weekend off within each five-week schedule cycle and two consecutive days off to properly rest and spend quality time with their families.; The opportunity for pilots to exchange shifts with colleagues in cases where family responsibilities necessitate flexibility. If they have to fly on their days off, they will be compensated for within the next schedule cycle. "Additional schedule proposals will be submitted to FlySafair's management during the mediation. A schedule compromise will not incur any additional costs for the employer. If FlySafair complies with the reasonable requests, Solidarity will be prepared to review the salary increase demand and all other related claims and be willing to compromise." While some flights had to be cancelled due to a pilot strike on Monday, FlySafair has implemented contingency arrangements. This includes a reduced number of flights and a deal with SAA to operate some of its routes. TimesLIVE
