Pilot strike warning for South African flights

Pilots from South Africa’s largest low-cost airline, FlySafair, plan to strike after union officials rejected a 5.7% salary increase.

Negotiations between FlySafair and trade union Solidarity over the employment conditions of pilots have reached a deadlock after three months.

FlySafair’s final offer included a 5.7% salary increase and additional compensation adjustments, but was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity members.

Solidarity Deputy General Secretary Helgard Cronje said that the rejection is not only due to the content of the offer but also due to the tense relationship between the pilots and the airline’s management.

Prior to the start of the salary negotiations, a dispute over a new shift roster system had arisen.

Pilots have previously expressed frustration over the new rostering system, claiming it is inflexible and disruptive. This makes it hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The airline previously told BusinessTech that the rostering system aligns with industry standards and best practices. 

“It is designed to optimise aircraft utilisation, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately reduce costs—allowing us to continue offering competitive fares to our passengers,” said the airline.

FlySafair said that the roster dispute is a separate matter, which could trigger another possible strike after the strike over the salary increase has ended.

Another obstacle in the salary negotiations was the company’s policy on leave and days off. Pilots said that the policies are detrimental to their quality of life and do not meet minimum expectations.

Solidarity and FlySafair are set to finalise the strike rules on Thursday, 17 July, under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

The first strike regarding the salary dispute would likely commence a few days later.

On top of the pilot strike, FlySafair is also locked in a separate salary negotiation with its cabin crew, which also points to a dispute. “These negotiations can be seen as a failure in labour relations,” Cronje said.

“The poor relationship between management and pilots has now led to the public bearing the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict.”

FlySafair’s response

FlySafair confirmed that the negotiations with Solidarity reached a deadlock. The development will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action.

The airline said that it remains firmly 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,” 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.”

The certificate will give 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.”

The airline stressed that current operations remain fully compliant with all aviation safety regulations.

“We deeply value our pilots and the critical role they play in delivering the FlySafair experience,” Gordon added.

“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.”