FlySafair pilots to embark on two-week strike after deadlock in wage negotiations
The duration of strike, which was initially planned to take place over one day, was changed to 14 days after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) agreed to the rules for the industrial action.
In a statement on Friday, the union said due to the company's unwillingness to meet the demands of the workers, they were left with no other option but to down their tools.
'In its reaction to the company's aggressive action, Solidarity decided to extend the one-day strike initially planned to 14 days.'
The more than 200 pilots are demanding a 10% salary increase and improved working conditions.
FlySafair's offer to workers of a 5.7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity's members.
The labour union accused the airline of issuing a seven-day lockout for pilots represented by Solidarity.
'This step indicates that the airline is deliberately opting for a prolonged and destabilising conflict, which could possibly be extended by another seven days should Solidarity and its members not comply with management's controversial demands. This means that no flights can be guaranteed for the next two weeks.'
The union claims the airline is in a good financial position as it recently made millions through the sale of shares.
'Ironically, this lockout was announced while, according to media reports, two of FlySafair's most senior management members, CEO Elmar Conradie and CFO Pieter Richards, have recently realised more than R90m by selling shares — possibly at the expense of FlySafair's licence conditions.'
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The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
FlySafair pilots and management meet to table new proposal
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A FlySafair pilot said they reckon the airline may win the battle but lose the war. 'It's scorched earth,' said the pilot. 'Burn the cities while retreating, just like the Napoleonic wars. That's what this feels like. 'Management is hell-bent on strong-arming everyone and it's just getting worse. It started with the lockout and their endgame makes no sense at all. ALSO READ: FlySafair strike drags on with more than 90% of pilots rejecting offer 'They're losing money constantly and they're pissing off their own pilots in the process.' FlySafair has faced mounting pressure to resolve the dispute as disruptions continue across its domestic network. Pilots warn of mass resignations and safety risks Pilots represented by the trade union, Solidarity, have refused to back down, citing not only salary concerns but also deteriorating working conditions, excessive fatigue and a lack of trust in management. Another FlySafair pilot said 'if Safair gets its way in this strike, there's going to be a mass exodus. Qualified, experienced pilots will walk. And once they're gone, they're not coming back.' A colleague at the budget carrier agreed: 'Pilots will desert in hordes. That's the plan for many already. They're forcing us to leave because of the way we are treated.' Inexperience in the cockpit raises safety concerns Senior FlySafair flight deck staff also suggested that the airline may be subtly encouraging resignations by its actions. They said it makes financial sense to pair inexperienced first officers with captains, but it makes no sense from a safety perspective. 'When there is such a vast experience gap between commander and first officer, it places enormous strain on the captain,' they said. 'The 737 is already a complex aircraft to operate,' a pilot told The Citizen. There is also a greater risk to the aviation industry, another pilot said. 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A cartoon, purportedly drawn by FlySafair chief financial officer Pieter Richards, depicting its pilot body with the headline 'Overpaid matriculants', has been circulated on social media. FlySafair's Kirby Gordon said it was fake. 'We categorically deny that this image was created or circulated by Pieter Richards or any member of FlySafair's management or negotiation team. 'The claim is entirely false and appears to be part parallel to a broader pattern of misinformation being shared by Solidarity which, sadly, does not support negotiations in good faith and undermines efforts to reach a constructive resolution.' Working conditions have deteriorated Helgard Cronjé, deputy general secretary at Solidarity, said the strike was the result of years of pent-up frustration. 'Working conditions have deteriorated, with flight schedules leading to serious exhaustion for our members.' Private Facebook group FlyAfrica's Duncan Gillespie made a statement of support for the pilots. 'In an incredible display of guts, courage, solidarity and resolve. FlyAfrica stands by and supports these brave men and women in their struggle against their oppressive and tyrannical management,' he said. NOW READ: Here's how much FlySafair pilots are earning as increase offer rejected
The Herald
4 hours ago
- The Herald
'It's not a straightforward job': Pilots seek predictability as Solidarity rejects latest FlySaFair wage offer
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The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
No real winners in the FlySafair strike
The ongoing FlySafair strike shows how labour disputes often end in mutual losses rather than gains. On balance, over the years, few strikes have done more than hurt employees and companies – and in some extreme cases, such as motor manufacturing in the UK in the 1970s, have caused the demise of an industry itself. Strikers, who earn no wages while the labour action continues, often lose so much money that even enhanced pay offers don't make up for what they have lost. Companies who play hardball often lose far more money, in lost business, than they would have, had they met the initial demands of strikers. At this stage, it is certainly looking as though the strike at Safair, operator of the FlySafair low-cost airline, is going to end in tears for many. Management is doubling down with offers which 90% of its unionised pilots have rejected, which not only widens the gap between them but leaves the airline in a position where it will undoubtedly have to cancel more flights, disappointing hundreds of passengers. That is sad, because FlySafair has built itself a solid reputation over the past decade as an efficient, on-time and reasonable cost airline with a loyal customer base. ALSO READ: FlySafair strike drags on with more than 90% of pilots rejecting offer What is even more worrying, though, is that angry and disillusioned pilots will not only leave the airline, they will leave the country. South Africa has less than 1 000 commercial pilots, with hundreds more working abroad because their skills and experience are highly valued. In the end, that will probably mean increased air fares for local passengers because fewer pilots – and not just for FlySafair – will mean fewer flights. And fewer flights will mean higher fares. Not only that, but FlySafair will not be able to continue funnelling money out of the country to its shareholders in Ireland – it sent out R1.3 billion over the past few years. Whoever wins this one will lose in the end. NOW READ: Strike strain may ground more FlySafair flights next week
