FlySafair is proactively adjusting its flight schedule between Tuesday, 22 July and Monday, 28 July, ahead of a looming strike by its pilots. The airline says affected passengers will be notified directly and can change bookings at no extra charge via its website.
This comes after wage negotiations between FlySafair and the trade union Solidarity broke down. Solidarity, which represents nearly two-thirds of the airline’s pilots, confirmed that 84% of its members rejected the airline’s latest offer—a 5.7% salary increase, coupled with additional benefits—deeming it insufficient. But the dispute runs deeper than pay.
“Working conditions have deteriorated, with pilots reporting serious fatigue due to aggressive scheduling,” said Helgard Cronjé, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity. “The relationship between crew and management has broken down. Our members feel unheard and undervalued.”
The strike threat is further intensified by a contentious new shift roster system, which pilots argue compromises their work-life balance. Additional grievances around leave and off-day policies have added fuel to the fire.
Talks with FlySafair’s cabin crew are also reportedly on shaky ground, raising concerns of wider operational disruption.
“This is a clear breakdown in labour relations,” said Cronjé. “Unfortunately, the travelling public may soon feel the impact of unresolved tensions between airline management and frontline staff.”
