Johannesburg – A strike is looming at FlySafair after Solidarity, which represents many of the pilots, introduced that it has reached a impasse with administration over wage hikes.
“Negotiations between Solidarity and FlySafair over improved employment circumstances for the corporate’s pilots have reached a impasse after three months,” the union mentioned in an announcement on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.
Solidarity mentioned FlySafair’s closing provide – a 5,7% wage enhance together with some further changes to compensation – was rejected by the overwhelming majority of Solidarity members.
The union’s Deputy General Secretary, Helgard Cronje, mentioned the rejection was not solely as a result of content material of the provide; it was “particularly as a result of extraordinarily tense relationship between the pilots and FlySafair’s administration”.
Cronje added: “The relationship is at an absolute low”.
Even earlier than the beginning of the wage negotiations, a dispute over a brand new shift roster system had arisen – a core challenge for pilots because it has a damaging impression on their household life.
“This roster dispute is a separate matter which, in keeping with Solidarity, may set off one other attainable strike after the strike over the wage enhance has ended.
Another impediment within the wage negotiations was the corporate’s new coverage on depart and days off.
Pilots consider that these insurance policies are detrimental to their high quality of life, and that they’re unfavourable and don’t meet minimal expectations.
“Solidarity and FlySafair will finalise the strike guidelines on Thursday, 17 July, underneath the steering of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA),” the assertion mentioned.
“The first strike concerning the wage dispute may then begin just a few days later.”
Meanwhile, FlySafair can also be locked in separate wage negotiations for cabin crew, which, by all indications, are additionally heading in the direction of a dispute.
“These negotiations will be seen as a failure in labour relations,” Cronje mentioned.
“The poor relationship between administration and pilots has now led to the general public bearing the implications of unresolved office battle.”
