Airline pledges ‘minimal disruption' from FlySafair pilot strike
It appears the union and airline are at logger heads over the FlySafair pilot strike. Solidarity insists it gave the airline sufficient notice of a one-day strike to minimise disruption on the paying public. However, it's the airline's 'drastic' response that has escalated matters, risking 'escalated' disruptions to travellers. Solidarity says 9 out of 10 pilots are no longer willing to work out the low-cost airline's rigorous schedules. Image: File
Nevertheless, anyone travelling with the airline over the next two weeks should realise their plans 'cannot be guaranteed,' reports BusinessTech . 'Unfortunately, the airline's response to the FlySafair pilot strike is drastic and indicates it is ready for a prolonged and destabilising conflict. And this means passengers will be experiencing disruptions for at least the next two weeks,' says Solidarity.
Moreover, the union confirmed that 88% of the low-cost airline's pilots were in favour of the strike. 9 out of FlySafair 10 pilots are no longer prepared to continue to work under the current working conditions. As such, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is working to facilitate mediation. Grounded for now, but how much longer will the FlySafair pilot strike drag on for? Image: File
Likewise, the union says it regrets any inconvenience the FlySafair pilot strike may cause passengers in the coming weeks. However, the action stems from months of frustration over a lack of fair treatment. It says pilots have insufficient and irregular rest periods, and lack of a healthy work/life balance with fair remuneration.
Trade union members rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation measures. Meanwhile, a FlySafair spokesperson confirmed this past weekend that the airline has taken 'proactive measures.' And has adjusted its operation schedule to ensure minimal flight disruption due to the FlySafair pilot strike.
'Affected customers have already been notified via their contact details of any disruptions. However, travellers wishing to review their flight details, if affected by rescheduling, may do so free of charge via the Manage Booking section on the FlySafair website,' concluded the airline.
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The truth behind the headlines Recent public statements have painted an inaccurate picture. Some claim that pilots earn R1.8 to R2.4 million per year. The truth is: those figures only apply to a small number of senior captains. Most pilots earn significantly less, and at this airline, salaries have not returned to pre-COVID levels, despite promises made during the crisis. Average flight hours are also being misrepresented. While reports quote 63 hours per month, many line pilots fly 85 to over 100 hours monthly. And that doesn't include ground duty time, standby periods, or training, often exceeding 180 hours of total duty per month, with 200 being the absolute legal maximum. We are aware of the fact that FlySafair has obtained a legal dispensation to fly pilots up to 120 hours per month. We believe this is unacceptable in a safety-critical industry, and we have raised these concerns repeatedly only to be ignored. We know pilots are denied leave because there are not enough crew. We are rostered for back-to-back duties that disrupt sleep cycles and family time. And we are burning out. What we sacrifice – and what we ask We accepted hardship during COVID. We accepted pay cuts. We waited, believing that once the airline recovered, our sacrifices would be recognised. The airline did recover. FlySafair has become one of South Africa's most successful carriers, flying up to 190 flights a day, with high load factors and strong market share. As pilots, we can be proud to have played a part in that success. But our working conditions have not improved. Salaries remain 10% below pre-COVID levels. We still fly without loss-of-license cover, proper disability protection and basic scheduling fairness. Therefore, we ask:- Is it too much to request a single weekend a month with our families?- Is it too much to ask for a say in the systems that determine how we live our lives?- Is it unreasonable to expect that our pay reflects our work and responsibilities?- Is it not in the public's interest to ensure their pilots are well-rested and motivated? We understand the times we're in Pilots are acutely aware of the broader economic struggles facing South Africa. We know many families are hurting. We know jobs are scarce, and inflation is hitting hard. This is not a strike taken lightly or without empathy. We are South Africans too. We pay the same prices, worry about the same future, and want this country to thrive. But in hard times, fair treatment and responsible employment practices matter even more. Ensuring pilots are supported and well-rested isn't just about us – it's about everyone who boards a plane and expects to be flown safely to their destination. To the public: Our apology and our hope To those whose travel plans have been disrupted, we sincerely apologise. This is not something we ever wanted. But we cannot protect you in the air if we are not protected on the ground. This is about the sustainability of the profession, the well-being of those flying your aircraft, and the future of aviation in South Africa. The airline's pilots are not asking for the sun and the moon. We are asking for:- a predictable and humane roster that allows us to live healthy lives;- fair and competitive salaries, corrected to pre-COVID levels;- a voice in decisions that impact our lives and safety;- and above all, respect for the work we do, and the responsibility we carry. We want the next generation of South African pilots to once again believe in this career. Pilots want to stay. We want to serve. We want to fly. But these pilots cannot continue under conditions that compromise safety, well-being, and dignity. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for your support. Gideon du Plessis General Secretary: Solidarity
