FlySafair pilot strike looms amid deadlock over wages, leave
Safair confirmed on Wednesday that the deadlock will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, which will allow the pilots to take action.
FlySafair is the largest domestic airline in South Africa. Solidarity represents 210 FlySafair pilots - about two-thirds.
Solidarity said the potential industrial action comes after a large majority of the union's pilots rejected Safair's final multi-year wage agreement offer, which included a 5.7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation. The union wanted a 10.5% wage increase for 2025/2026, followed by a consumer price index (CPI) plus 4.5% increase for 2026/2027, and a CPI plus 4% increase for 2027/2028.
Speaking to News24, Solidarity deputy secretary-general Helgard Cronje said wage negotiations began in late April and continued into May before the dispute was declared. The wage increases were expected to come into effect on 1 July.
Said Cronje:
There is a lot of economic uncertainty, and a lot of pilots leave for international work. It is a difficult environment to work in. In SA, the demand is high, but the salaries are not as competitive compared to other regions [like the Middle East]. We know that FlySafair is a low-cost domestic airline, but it has gained a lot of market share in recent years.
The trade union said the company also introduced a new policy on leave days and days off, which pilots believe is detrimental to their quality of life. There was also a dispute over a new shift roster system.
Solidarity said it will finalise the strike rules with Safair on Thursday, under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration.
Cronje said that it is likely that the first strike will take place next week.
Solidarity said that Safair is also in a separate negotiations process for cabin crew, with all indications suggesting that it may also be heading towards a dispute.
Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's chief marketing officer, said the airline has contingency plans in place to minimise disruptions.
'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.'
He said that the airline respects the right the strike certificate affords its pilots to strike, and the rights of their colleagues who choose to continue to work.
'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,' he said.
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