FlySafair faces lockout as pilots demand better wages and conditions
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
The escalation of tensions between FlySafair and its pilots may result in commuters across South Africa facing significant travel disruptions.
With nearly 90% of FlySafair pilots voting in favour of a strike, the low-cost airline has announced it will lock out its flight crew as negotiations over wage demands reach a standstill.
The situation has drawn the attention of trade union Solidarity, which is calling for FlySafair to return to the negotiating table before the pilots confront a lockout starting Monday.
The airline's decision to lock out its pilots for up to two weeks—originally set for seven days but potentially extendable for another week—comes in response to a strike notice that Solidarity expressed following the pilot vote.
Helgard Cronjé, a spokesperson for Solidarity, has expressed concerns about FlySafair's approach, labelling the lockout as reckless towards the public.
'The pilots are seeking to rectify their salaries, which were slashed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and want assurances about their employment conditions, including rest and family time,' he emphasised.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
In a move to mitigate public discomfort, FlySafair co-founder Kirby Gordon confirmed that the airline has issued a strike certificate acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
'We recognise the challenges this poses to our passengers,' Gordon said. 'We have proactively adjusted our operational schedules to minimise disruptions, and customers affected by these changes have already been informed through the contact details provided at the time of booking.'
Despite the looming disruptions, FlySafair has reiterated its commitment to balancing the rights of its employees with the long-term sustainability of the airline.
The company has assured travellers that they can review their flight details or change their bookings without charge through the "Manage Booking" section on the FlySafair website.
In the background, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to mediate the dispute further, a proposal that Solidarity has welcomed. However, FlySafair has thus far declined to engage in this additional mediation.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the two parties to see if a resolution can be found, or whether South African travellers will be forced to face the fallout of this ongoing deadlock. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
7 minutes ago
- IOL News
South Africa's proactive approach to finding new trade partners as US tariffs loom
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the country was working on minimising the impact of the looming US 30% tariff hike on its exports. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers South Africa is quickly expanding its global trade partners as a solution to the United States of America's 30% tariff on its exports, said Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. Steenhuisen made the statement as the US tariff increase on South Africa is expected to come into effect on August 1. 'The real solution lies not just in playing defence, but in going on the offensive. This is why we are doubling down on market access expansion,' said Steenhuisen, who is the leader of the DA in the Government of National Unity. The tariff deadline will come as the country waits for the outcome of the proposed US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which seeks to impose sanctions against some ANC leaders accused of, among others, supporting China, Russia, and Iran, and mismanaging state resources. Delivering a keynote address at the RSA Group Stakeholder Dinner in Muldersdrift outside Johannesburg on Thursday, Steenhuisen said his department was reaching out to other countries looking for markets to sell the country's agricultural products. He called on the country not to waste time by being overly reliant, but to be productive. He said the country was already strengthening its trade alliances with the likes of Chile, Peru, and New Zealand 'to jointly lobby for fair and stable trade treatment of fresh produce' through the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters. 'Over the past six months alone, we have finalised new phytosanitary protocols for the export of avocados to China; table grapes to Vietnam and the Philippines; and maize to India,' he said. Steenhuisen said there were trade negotiations with Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. 'Our goal is simple — to ensure that no South African fruit producer is ever left dependent on the goodwill of a single trading partner.' He said the country was also strengthening its plant health systems, expanding traceability capabilities, and digitising its export certification platforms to align with the European Union's Green Deal and Asia's growing demand for sustainability-linked imports as part of 'investments that are not just defensive; they are the launchpad for new growth'. He said the country's agriculture has always been one of ingenuity, grit, and partnership. 'We have overcome political transitions, trade embargoes, droughts, pandemics, and port crises. We will overcome these current headwinds (tariff increase) too,' he said. Steenhuisen said that to avert the effects of new tariffs more quickly and effectively, the country must be united and pull together. 'My department is open for business, open for reform, and open for ideas,' he said. Steenhuisen said the tariffs will damage the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in September and is already under threat of not being renewed due to strained relations between South Africa and the US. 'Let me be clear: South African agriculture did not deserve this treatment. We do not dump, we do not distort, and we do not play geopolitical games with food,' he said. He said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) was leading the country's formal engagement with the United States. 'And we continue to work hand in hand with Minister Tau and his team to ensure that the full impact on the agricultural sector is well understood,' he said. Soon after taking over the US presidency for the second time, Donald Trump came down heavy on South Africa by signing an Executive Order alleging that the country was mistreating its Afrikaner community by enabling genocide and passing oppressive policies. He also accused the country of being aggressive towards his country and its allies, 'including accusing Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice, and reinvigorating its relations with Iran to develop commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements'. 'The United States cannot support the government of South Africa's commission of rights violations in its country or its undermining of United States foreign policy, which poses national security threats to our Nation, our allies, our African partners, and our interests,' read the order. In reaction, Ramaphosa led a delegation, which comprised Steenhuisen and influential businessman Johann Rupert, to correct misinformation about Afrikaners' treatment and straighten the relationship with Trump's administration. However, the first phase of passing the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which, according to its author, US Congressman Ronny Jackson, seeks to punish ANC leaders, raised eyebrows. The act, which is now awaiting tabling at the full House of Representatives, accused the ANC's government leaders of undermining human rights by having a military and political relationship with the Russian government, which is at war with Ukraine. It accused the country of having allowed a US-sanctioned Russian cargo ship, the Lady R, to dock and transfer arms at a South African naval base in December 2022. 'The ANC published an article in their newspaper, ANC Today, in October 2024, promoting Russian propaganda about the war in Ukraine,' read the proposed act, which also accused ANC leaders of mismanaging Eskom and Transnet, and enabling the cholera outbreaks. University of South Africa's Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs' international affairs expert, Dr Bongiwe Ngcobo, said the US actions were designed to force South Africa to abandon the International Court of Justice case against Israel on the Gaza conflict. She said South Africa's BRICS membership was also a concern for the US. 'If BRICS strengthen and grow, then it means they will have a challenger, and it means they will have less control over smaller countries like South Africa and other countries from the Global South,' she said. [email protected]
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
FlySafair, Solidarity union head back to negotiating table after ‘some progress made'
FlySafair has made schedule changes affecting flights from July 22 to 28. Image: Supplied The mediation process between FlySafair and Solidarity, the labour union representing the carrier's striking pilots, is set to resume on Friday afternoon. 'We have reached a sensitive stage in the discussions and some progress has been made. Parties will reconvene on Friday at 2pm, to continue discussions,' a source at Solidarity told IOL. The strike and lockout conditions remain the same since talks began on Wednesday, the source added, and in the interim, parties have agreed to a media blackout to 'ensure the integrity of the process'. A FlySafair spokesperson told IOL that the airline continues to run a stable, reduced timetable and remains engaged in mediation with Solidarity and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The airline has reportedly entered into an agreement with South African Airways (SAA) to operate two of its daily flights under a 'passenger protection agreement'. However, there are fears that flight cancellations could be necessary next week if the strike is not resolved. That's because the pilots who are currently operating FlySafair's reduced schedule could reach their legal flying time limit by then, The Citizen reports. These regulations, designed to prevent fatigue, state that pilots cannot fly for more than 40 hours within a seven-day period. According to Solidarity, the strike was initially meant to last for one day (Monday), in order to get FlySafair to the negotiating table. But it said the airline then responded by locking out the pilots for seven days. Solidarity member pilots are demanding a 10.5% increase for 2025/26, with pilots claiming they're still earning 10% less than pre-pandemic levels. However, FlySafair says that this would amount to a cost-to-company increase of more than 20% once additional demands had been factored in, which it says is an unsustainable escalation for any company. The airline has offered its pilots an 'above inflation' increase of 5.7%. Next Stay Close ✕ FlySafair maintains that its pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in South Africa, with captains earning between R1.8 million and R2.3 million per year. However, the pilot roster system is a significant point of contention for pilots. ALSO READ: Why FlySafair pilots are striking - it's more than just money In a statement released earlier this week, Solidarity claimed that FlySafair's new rostering system drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, impeding their rest periods and undermining their family life. 'As pilots' workdays often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of pilots and passengers alike. 'In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours,' Solidarity said. Responding to earlier accusations that pilots were overworked, FlySafair said its captains spent an average of 63 hours in the cockpit last month, which is well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority, IATA and ICAO, which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month. This is a developing story. Stay tuned to IOL for further updates. IOL News
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Trump Tariffs: South Africa signs framework deal in ongoing US trade talks
The Department of Trade and Industry has confirmed it has signed a condition precedent document with the US Image: Armand Hough /Independent Newspapers As the countdown to the US's planned 30% tariff increase on South African exports edges closer, the Department of Trade and Industry has confirmed it has signed a condition precedent document with the US Trade Representative's office. According to the department, the document signed is a condition precedent, serving as a preliminary framework that outlines the necessary steps before a full trade agreement can be finalised. "We have not signed any substantive agreement yet. The document signed was a precedent condition document," Ministerial spokesperson Kaamil Alli said. "This is a precursor to the finalizing of the negotiations, which are ongoing". This comes after US President Donald Trump sent a formal letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding action on trade imbalances and warning of the impending tariff hike set for August 1, 2025. The tariffs are aimed at addressing what the US describes as South Africa's 'unsustainable trade deficits' and longstanding market barriers. The US decision to increase tariffs on South African goods has raised concerns among industry experts and exporters, who warn that key sectors such as automotive, agriculture, and mining could be severely impacted. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Last week, IOL reported that Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana warned that South Africa stands to lose around 100,000 jobs due to US tariffs if a trade deal is not renewed. "My prayer, first and foremost, is that the deal should be made by August 1st. And secondly, if it's not made, it would be useful that we get an extension until we finalise the deal,' he said. "Of course, the US has a huge economy. If we lose a trading partner such as the USA, it's going to have a major impact and create more unemployment in the economy.". Last month, the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa revealed that South Africa's vehicle exports to the United States have dropped dramatically following the imposition of US tariffs, with declines of 73% in the first quarter of 2025, and further falls of 80% and 85% in April and May, respectively. This was after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all vehicles imported into the US earlier this year. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
