Airline Company FlySafair acknowledges pilot walkout, assures general flight operations continuity
FlySafair Pilots Strike Over Pay Dispute Affects 12% of Flights
A pilot strike at FlySafair has led to the cancellation of 12% of flights on July 21, as the union, Solidarity, and the airline continue to disagree over pay and benefits.
The union's demands for a total cost to company increase of 20.1% are higher than the 5.7% increase on base salary proposed by FlySafair. This increase, which is 1.5% above inflation, has been rejected by Solidarity.
The union's specific demands include a baseline wage increase of 10.5% for the next financial year, alongside adjustments to flight pay and bonuses. For the subsequent two years, they demand increases of 4.5% and 4%, respectively, in wages and bonuses. However, they have recently moderated their wage demand closer to a 7% increase from the original 10.5%.
Beyond salary, the union emphasizes concerns about working conditions, particularly around rest periods, mental health, and long-term well-being. They demand changes to the shift roster system to allow for more rest and to improve work-life balance. They find the current system inadequate.
The union is also responding to allegations of management interference. They accuse FlySafair’s top management of intimidating striking pilots by contacting them individually to persuade them back to work, which they say is aggravating the dispute.
While the financial wage increase is a key demand, the Solidarity union stresses that the dispute is also about improving pilot rest and working conditions to ensure safety and mental health. This broader context includes pushback against management tactics during the strike.
Customers affected by the strike have been notified via SMS using contact details provided at booking. They are encouraged to check the Travel Updates page on the FlySafair website for the latest information.
Airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements. The industrial action is a result of the unresolved pay dispute between FlySafair and the union, Solidarity.
- Aerospace industry analysts are closely monitoring the ongoing dispute between FlySafair and the Solidarity union, as the strike may potentially impact future investment in African aviation.
- The Finance Ministry of Africa, recognizing the significance of the FlySafair pilot strike on the continent's growth and employment, is considering initiating talks with both parties to mediate the ongoing pay dispute.
- Despite the challenges faced by the South African airline industry due to the FlySafair pilots' strike, some local businesses are leveraging this situation to offer flexible flight alternatives to customers, successively expanding their market share in the regional business travel sector.
