Deadlock in FlySafair salary negotiations: Are pilots ready to strike?

A strike is on the cards as trade union Solidarity and FlySafair negotiations have reached a deadlock after three months. 

FlySafair has given a final offer of a 5.7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation; however, this offer was rejected. 

Solidarity Deputy General Secretary Helgard Cronje, said the rejection was not only due to the content of the offer, it is especially due to the extremely tense relationship between the pilots and management at FlySafair. 

“The relationship is at an absolute low,” he said. 

Cronje said even before the start of the salary negotiations, a dispute over a new shift roster system had arisen – a core issue for pilots, as it has a negative impact on their family life. “This roster dispute is a separate matter that could trigger another possible strike after the strike over the salary increase has ended,” he said. 

Cronje said another obstacle they face in the salary negotiations was FlySafair’s new policy on leave and days off. 

“Pilots believe that these policies are detrimental to their quality of life, and that they are unfavourable and do not meet minimum expectations,” Cronje said. 

Solidarity and Safair will finalise the strike rules on Thursday, July 17, under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The first strike regarding the salary dispute could then commence a few days later.

Meanwhile, Safair is also locked in separate salary negotiations for cabin crew which, by all indications, are also heading towards a dispute.

“These negotiations can be seen as a failure in labour relations. The poor relationship between management and pilots has now led to the public bearing the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict,” Cronje said

While FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon confirms they are deadlocked and this development will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the right to engage in protected industrial action. 

The airline has also stated it remains 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. 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. 

The strike certificate gives 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,” Gordon said. 

FlySafair 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. 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,” Gordon said. 

Adding: “We believe in building a sustainable aviation industry in South Africa — one that retains talent, prioritises wellbeing, and delivers exceptional service,” Gordon concluded. “We are confident in our team’s ability to navigate this period with professionalism and care, and we thank our passengers for their continued trust”. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL