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Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Ground control to FlySafair: we have a problem
Long queues, missed appointments, and almost two dozen cancelled flights marked day one of FlySafair's pilot strike, as more than 200 pilots downed their controls in a labour showdown with the airline. However, by the end of the day, the airline had agreed - under pressure - to participate in the mediation process as requested by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). At OR Tambo International Airport, stranded passengers and grounded pilots found themselves on the same side of the runway as fallout collateral damage in the escalating dispute. Turbulence at the top 'They said there weren't any cancellations but I only found out my flight was cancelled this morning,' said Masego, a frustrated traveler who was due to fly to Cape Town. She was one of many travellers queuing at the FlySafair terminals who had been issued vouchers for their missed flights. Masego didn't want to share her full name for fear that FlySafair would decline her request for a refund rather than a flight voucher. The standoff is not just about the two primary tabled issues — pay and rostering — but also a representation of pilots asserting themselves in what they deem an increasingly airline-dominant space post the Covid-19 pandemic. 'This isn't just about the money,' said one FlySafair pilot to Daily Maverick on condition of anonymity. 'We're professionals, not just numbers on a roster.' How much is a pilot worth? Of FlySafair's roughly 300 pilots, about two-thirds are represented by trade union Solidarity and rejected a proposed 5.7% wage increase, instead demanding what Solidarity describes as a 'market-related' adjustment closer to 10.5%. According to data from Payscale and Glassdoor, commercial pilots earn anywhere between R300,000 to well over R1-million — and FlySafair itself has noted that its pilots earn up to R2.3-million per annum. While this appears to be lucrative, a pilot interviewed by Daily Maverick stated that the higher end of salaries was usually reserved for very senior captains, such as a pilot with 20 years' experience, with the median being closer to the R300,000 mark. The second sticking point is the way rosters are structured. According to a pilot, rosters are released on the 24th of each month, typically with five days on, two days off. But last-minute changes mean that even on scheduled off days, pilots struggle to plan their lives. 'It's not like you're knocking off work at 4pm on a Friday,' said one pilot. 'You might get home from that last shift at midnight, and then on Monday your first flight is at 5am.' 'We don't have complete access to the rosters, but the pilots are saying 'I'm tired,'' said Helgard Cronjé , deputy general secretary at Solidarity. 'You can't put a price on missing your kid's rugby match.' FlySafair maintains otherwise. 'Fatigue is not a concern,' said chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon in a previous written response to Daily Maverick. The same reply also stated that 'there are no concerns for flights being disrupted as a result of this industrial action'. This did not turn out to be the case, as at least 26 flights were cancelled on Monday morning, 21 July 2025. Pilots stress that fatigue isn't just a lifestyle issue — it's a safety concern. According to a pilot, many are now flying 90 to 95 hours per month, near the legal maximum. 'That's not sustainable in the long run. People think 90 hours (per month) is nothing because it's less than a nine-to-five job,' said one pilot. 'But they don't realise that flying is mentally and physically demanding. You're in high-stress environments, constantly alert, and that takes a toll.' And it's a toll many no longer want to pay. Pilots estimate 80 colleagues have left the company in the past year, with many heading overseas. FlySafair bowed to pressure after about 90% of pilots affiliated with labour group, Solidarity, declared their willingness to strike. 'FlySafair underestimated how disruptive the lock-out (would) be. It is costing them too much and the passengers are paying the price,' said Cronjé, adding that the airline had indicated it would only be willing to start the negotiation process by Wednesday. 'As a result, thousands more passengers will be affected before FlySafair comes to the table,' she said. Airline dominance Following the Covid-19 pandemic, pilots were furloughed en masse. As aviation resumed, airlines dominated the hiring terms. Pilots say they are now pushing back. Solidarity claims FlySafair refused to provide financial data to justify the wage freeze. 'When we asked for the financials to back this up, they refused,' said Cronjé. 'We believe the company is profitable enough to meet our demands, or at least to come to the table with a better offer.' FlySafair confirmed to Daily Maverick that no such financial disclosures were made, stating that this was not standard practice. 'Salaries are typically determined by market dynamics,' said the company. 'Our pilots are not equity stakeholders — they have not invested capital or assumed financial risk.' Dr Joachim Vermooten, transport economist and former airline executive, told Daily Maverick that low-cost airlines derived profit from high aircraft utilisation and passenger density. He cited European examples as proof that low-cost carriers could be highly profitable. FlySafair, for its part, claims that its current offer, while described as a 5.7% raise, actually constitutes an 11.29% cost-to-company increase. 'This is a generous offer, particularly in a low-inflation environment where many major corporations, including banks, are offering increases closer to 4%,' the airline said. What this means for you If you have booked flights with FlySafair, you should check the updates page before you make plans or even show up at the airport — particularly for flights from Tuesday, 22 July up to and including Monday, 28 July. While FlySafair says contingency crews are in place, delays and cancellations remain likely, and it's likely to be a bumpy journey ahead until the dispute is reconciled. If your flight is affected, you have three choices: Rebook your trip by selecting a different flight on the same route, or pick entirely new flights for a future journey. Cancel your booking and receive a FlySafair voucher for the full value of your original flight. This credit will be loaded to your FlySafair wallet and is valid for 12 months. If you'd prefer a full cash refund instead, you're also welcome to cash out your voucher at any time. The CCMA has been approached to mediate the matter, which might result in a faster resolution.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Passengers warned as FlySafair pilots' 2-week strike takes off
FlySafair passengers should expect disruption as a two-week pilots' strike started today. According to The Witness, the strike follows trade union Solidarity confirming nearly 90% of its pilots voted in favour of industrial action. Talks between Solidarity and the low-cost airline over pay and working hours have reached a deadlock. FlySafair said 8% of its flights will not take to the sky today, despite earlier reassurances that operations would not be affected by the start of the strike. Kempton Express reports these pilots last week voted in favour of striking, prompting Solidarity to issue a one-day strike notice to bring the airline to the negotiating table. However, FlySafair responded by initiating a seven-day lockout of pilots – a move that could be extended for another week if the deadlock remains. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to intervene to help resolve the dispute. While Solidarity has agreed to the process, FlySafair has reportedly declined the intervention. 'We welcome the CCMA's intervention,' said Solidarity's Helgard Cronjé. 'The disruption of an airline is a matter of national interest. Our aim with the one-day strike notice was to get FlySafair to the negotiating table, but instead they escalated the disruption by locking out pilots for at least seven days.' FlySafair Responds to Pilot Action, Affirms Commitment to Passengers and Constructive Engagement Media Statement: — FlySafair (@FlySafair) July 20, 2025 At the core of the dispute are disagreements over pay and scheduling. Solidarity is demanding a 10.5% increase on base salaries along with additional flight pay and bonuses. FlySafair says this would amount to more than a 20% increase in overall costs – an escalation the airline describes as unsustainable. The airline has offered a 5.7% increase on base pay, with added benefits bringing the total increase to 11.29% on a cost-to-company basis. FlySafair maintains its pilots are among the highest-compensated professionals in the country, with captains earning between R1.8m and R2.3m annually. It also says pilot flying hours remain well within regulatory limits. Another point of contention is the pilot rostering system implemented earlier this year. FlySafair argues the system aligns with global industry practices to improve operational efficiency while providing pilots with advanced rosters for planning. Solidarity, however, claims the airline's aggressive approach to managing its pilots has fuelled conflict and damaged trust. 'We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our loyal customers and the broader flying public,' FlySafair stated. It added that the airline remains committed to reaching a resolution that balances fair compensation for employees with financial sustainability and affordable fares for South African travellers. Solidarity has indicated it remains ready to negotiate through the CCMA to avoid further disruption. Meanwhile, The Witness spoke to an expert who shared tips on rebooking and rerouting amid the strike. You can read the article here. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Union criticises FlySafair's pilot lockout as reckless to the public
Pilots are ready to go on strike as they reject the salary increase proposed by FlySafair. Image: Supplied Trade union Solidarity has called on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table ahead of the pilot lockout on Monday. FlySafair's flights could be disrupted for two weeks as the company will lock out its pilots. This comes after almost 90% of the pilots voted in favour of a strike. Solidarity gave FlySafair notice of a one-day strike, but FlySafair responded with a notice stating that it would lock out the pilots for seven days, which could last for an additional seven days. "This forced Solidarity to extend its strike notice to 14 days as well. In the meantime, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offered to mediate again. "Solidarity has agreed to this, but FlySafair is still refusing," said union spokesperson Helgard Cronjé. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "According to Solidarity, FlySafair's lockout of pilots is reckless towards the public. Solidarity is calling on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table. "The pilots are asking for their salaries to be rectified after the salary cuts during Covid, as well as for employment conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest and family time." In the face of the turmoil, FlySafair's co-founder Kirby Gordon confirmed that a strike certificate had been issued to Solidarity and the Pilot Union, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He assured that the airline had made proactive adjustments to its operational schedules to limit disruptions for customers. "Customers whose future travel plans have been affected by these adjustments have already been notified via the contact details provided at the time of booking,' Gordon said. Despite the disruptions, FlySafair has reiterated its commitment to balancing employee rights with the airline's sustainability. Travellers wishing to review their flight details or, if affected by rescheduling, change to a more convenient option may do so free of charge via the Manage Booking section at Cape Times
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
FlySafair faces lockout as pilots demand better wages and conditions
FlySafair pilots reject a proposed salary increase as negotiations with management hit a stalemate, deepening tensions and posing the threat of strikes ahead. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers The escalation of tensions between FlySafair and its pilots may result in commuters across South Africa facing significant travel disruptions. With nearly 90% of FlySafair pilots voting in favour of a strike, the low-cost airline has announced it will lock out its flight crew as negotiations over wage demands reach a standstill. The situation has drawn the attention of trade union Solidarity, which is calling for FlySafair to return to the negotiating table before the pilots confront a lockout starting Monday. The airline's decision to lock out its pilots for up to two weeks—originally set for seven days but potentially extendable for another week—comes in response to a strike notice that Solidarity expressed following the pilot vote. Helgard Cronjé, a spokesperson for Solidarity, has expressed concerns about FlySafair's approach, labelling the lockout as reckless towards the public. 'The pilots are seeking to rectify their salaries, which were slashed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and want assurances about their employment conditions, including rest and family time,' he emphasised. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In a move to mitigate public discomfort, FlySafair co-founder Kirby Gordon confirmed that the airline has issued a strike certificate acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. 'We recognise the challenges this poses to our passengers,' Gordon said. 'We have proactively adjusted our operational schedules to minimise disruptions, and customers affected by these changes have already been informed through the contact details provided at the time of booking.' Despite the looming disruptions, FlySafair has reiterated its commitment to balancing the rights of its employees with the long-term sustainability of the airline. The company has assured travellers that they can review their flight details or change their bookings without charge through the "Manage Booking" section on the FlySafair website. In the background, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to mediate the dispute further, a proposal that Solidarity has welcomed. However, FlySafair has thus far declined to engage in this additional mediation. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the two parties to see if a resolution can be found, or whether South African travellers will be forced to face the fallout of this ongoing deadlock. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
FlySafair pilots face lockout amid strike vote fallout
Negotiations have reached a deadlock after a majority of Solidarity members rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase. FlySafair pilots are demanding 10.5% for the next financial year and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. Image: Supplied FlySafair is poised for significant flight disruptions in the next two weeks following a decision to lock out around 200 pilots for seven days on the back of industrial action starting on Monday. This drastic move comes on the heels of an overwhelming 90% of the airline's pilots voting in favour of a strike over a wage dispute, igniting a standoff that could see the aviation landscape of South Africa affected for up to two weeks. The turmoil began when Solidarity, the union representing FlySafair's pilots, issued a notice of a one-day strike intended to bring the airline back to the negotiation table. However, the situation escalated when FlySafair responded with its own announcement of a seven-day lockout, which could extend for an additional week if the standoff remains unresolved. While Solidarity has given notice of a one-day strike on Monday, it decided to extend it to 14 days, intensifying the looming crisis. Negotiations have reached a deadlock after a majority of Solidarity members rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase. FlySafair pilots are demanding 10.5% for the next financial year and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Solidarity spokesperson, Helgard Cronjé, on Sunday said the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered its mediation services once again but FlySafair has yet to accept this proposal, leaving pilot negotiations in a precarious position. Cronjé said the union's initial call for a one-day strike was aimed at prompting the airline to return to the negotiating table and find a solution to ongoing disputes over salary rectification following cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside salary concerns, pilots are seeking assurances that employment conditions will remain stable, along with adequate provisions for rest and family time. Solidarity urged FlySafair to reconsider its stance and re-enter negotiations, while the potential lockout looms closer, threatening not only the livelihoods of those involved but the travel plans of countless passengers who rely on the airline's services. "If 90% of a company's key personnel want to strike, something is seriously wrong. Solidarity is calling on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table," Cronjé said. "The pilots are asking for their salaries to be rectified after the salary cuts during COVID, as well as for employment conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest and family time." Solidarity said it regrets the inconvenience the strike may cause passengers but emphasised that this action did not stem from unreasonable demands but from months of frustration over a lack of fair treatment, insufficient and irregular rest periods, a healthy balance between work and family life and fair remuneration. Meanwhile, FlySafair said it has already proactively adjusted its operational schedule to ensure continuity, and no disruption to flight operations was expected. The airline said that customers whose future travel plans have been affected by these adjustments have already been notified via the contact details provided at the time of booking. Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, said travellers wishing to review their flight details or, if affected by rescheduling, change to a more convenient option may do so free of charge via the Manage Booking section at "We deeply respect the rights of our employees to participate in this process," Gordon said. "It is our responsibility to balance the needs of our people with the long-term sustainability of the company. We remain committed to constructive engagement and thank our customers for their understanding as we navigate this important period." BUSINESS REPORT
