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IOL News
01-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
FlySafair strike over – Here's what pilots finally agreed to
Passengers queue at check-in counters during strike-related delays as FlySafair worked with reduced pilot staffing. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL FlySafair pilots have returned to duty after what was regarded as the longest pilot strike and lockout in South African history, following a 12-day dispute over scheduling and working conditions. The breakthrough came as the airline and Solidarity, the union representing its striking pilots, signed a formal agreement facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). 'After 12 days of lockout and strike action by FlySafair pilots, an agreement has finally been reached through the CCMA's proposed settlement,' said Gideon du Plessis, general secretary of Solidarity. The resolution ends weeks of tension that saw grounded flights, public confusion, and growing criticism from both sides. 'There are no winners in this process,' said Helgard Cronjé, deputy general secretary of Solidarity, who confirmed that both parties accepted the CCMA-led proposal as the closest possible middle ground. A key point of contention was FlySafair's rostering system, which pilots argued allowed management to arbitrarily adjust schedules using vague 'soft rules.' The new agreement introduces fixed scheduling rules, removing this discretion. 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 ✕ IOL News previously reported that the FlySafair had initially resisted the fixed rules, pointing out the need for flexibility to ensure operational efficiency. The airline's system, it said, was aligned with international standards and allowed pilots to receive full rosters by the 20th of the preceding month, with a marketplace to facilitate duty swaps. However, Solidarity contended that the lack of predictability in scheduling disrupted pilots' personal lives, denied them leave due to staff shortages, and raised safety concerns. However, the final deal now guarantees pilots at least one 60-hour weekend off every six weeks, totaling a minimum of nine weekends off per year. They will also receive at least 10 days off per month. Pilots required to work on scheduled days off will be allowed to reclaim that time the following month. Cronjé said that under the agreement, pilots will receive salary increases of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8%, and 6.9% over the next four years. These increases will also apply to annual adjustments of travel, accommodation, and medical allowances. In addition, pilots will be paid extra for any hours flown beyond 65 hours per month. To help offset losses from the strike under the 'no work, no pay' rule, FlySafair will make a one-time ex gratia payment equal to 15% of pilots' monthly salaries. Pilots can also cash in up to five days of leave. Earlier in the week, with the strike stretching into its second week and no resolution in sight, Solidarity released an open letter to the public, defending the pilots against accusations of greed. 'Let us be clear: this strike is not about greed. It is about dignity. It is about safety. It is about fairness. It is about being heard,' the statement read. The union highlighted what it described as a 'growing culture of silence and fear' at the airline, where safety concerns, fatigue, and staff attrition were routinely dismissed or met with intimidation. Solidarity also pushed back on claims that pilots earned between R1.8 million and R2.4 million annually, clarifying that only a small group of senior captains earned at that level. Most pilots, it said, earn significantly less and have not seen salaries return to pre-COVID levels, despite earlier promises. The union disputed FlySafair's claim that pilots fly an average of 63 hours per month, stating that many fly between 85 and over 100 hours per month, excluding standby and training duties. The union further claimed the total duty time often exceeds 180 hours monthly, close to the legal limit of 200. Solidarity also raised concerns about a legal exemption FlySafair obtained to fly pilots up to 120 hours a month, calling it unsafe in a high-risk industry. Cronjé criticised FlySafair management for what he called unnecessary delays in negotiations. 'This agreement could already have been reached in February,' he said. 'Had FlySafair management made the same concessions regarding the roster at that time, the strike and lockout could have been avoided. Management's obstinance in response to the reasonable appeals of their pilots led to conflict and losses for all parties. It also caused severe disruption for passengers and the public.' He said Solidarity has never encountered such a difficult negotiation process in its history. 'The pilots' input during the finalisation of the agreement only confirmed how little trust they have in FlySafair's management,' he said. 'If drastic change does not take place, this settlement will not prevent an outflow of pilots - something that will be to the great detriment of the company and the country.' Meanwhile, FlySafair, welcomed the conclusion of the strike. 'We are pleased to confirm that the strike action by a portion of our pilot workforce has officially come to an end,' said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's chief marketing officer.
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
‘No Winners': FlySafair and pilots reach wage agreement after 12-day lockout
After 12 days of strike action by Flysafair pilots, disgruntled over wages and working hours, an agreement has been reached. After 12 days of strike action by Flysafair pilots, disgruntled over wages and working hours, an agreement has been reached. In an email on Friday, the union Solidarity confirmed that an agreement had finally been reached through the CCMA's (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) proposed settlement. "This brings an end to the longest pilot strike and lockout in South African history." Helgard Cronjé, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, said the CCMA-led proposal, accepted by both parties, was the closest middle ground they could reach. 'There are no winners in this process.' The new shift roster system is now governed by fixed rules and no longer by so-called 'soft rules' that management could arbitrarily adjust." Regarding remuneration, pilots will receive salary increases of 6%, 6,5%, 6,8% and 6,9% respectively over the next four years. Pilots were asking for a 10 percent increase. *This is a developing story* IOL News
TimesLIVE
01-08-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'No winners in this', but deal struck between pilots and FlySafair
After 12 days of lockout and strike action by up to 200 FlySafair pilots affiliated with Solidarity trade union, an agreement has been reached through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Helgard Cronjé, deputy general secretary of Solidarity, said the CCMA-led proposal, accepted by both parties, was the closest middle ground they could reach. 'There are no winners in this process.' The new shift roster system is now governed by fixed rules and no longer by so-called 'soft rules' that management could arbitrarily adjust, he said. Though FlySafair maintains it cannot guarantee pilots one full weekend off per month, negotiations have led to an agreement that pilots will receive at least one 60-hour weekend off during each six-week cycle, with a minimum of nine weekends off per year. Pilots required to work on their days off will be able to claim those days in the next month. They will also be allowed to exchange shifts among themselves. In addition, pilots will receive at least 10 days off per month. On wages, the union had wanted a 10% increase. Pilots have settled for salary increases of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8% and 6.9% respectively over the next four years. These percentages will also apply to annual adjustments of travel and accommodation allowances as well as the medical allowance. Pilots will also receive additional compensation for any hours exceeding 65 flying hours per month. To soften the effect of the 'no work, no pay' rule during the strike and lockout, pilots will receive a one-off ex gratia payment amounting to 15% of their monthly salary and will be allowed to cash in five days' leave. The strike saw some disruption on the first day with flights being cancelled, but the airline's contingency measures ensured subsequent operations ran smoothly on a scaled-back schedule. Cronjé said the conciliation process, which brings an end to the longest pilot strike and aviation sector lockout in South African history, was 'exceedingly difficult'.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Wage talks between Samwu and City of Tshwane break down, leaving workers in limbo
Rapula Moatshe | Updated 2 weeks ago The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)-facilitated talks between the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the City of Tshwane on June 10 and 23, 2025, broke down without an agreement over the outstanding 3.5% wage increase for the 2021/22 period. The talks followed a May 9 Labour Court ruling, which sent the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new hearing on the 3.5% wage increase after the city initially sought an exemption. In the same breath, the court ruled that the city is exempt from implementing a 5.4% wage increase for the 2023/2024 financial year after it cited financial constraints. The city approached the court after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council. Samwu regional secretary Donald Monakisi said the union has formally appealed against the ruling on the 5.4% salary increase and is waiting for the Labour Appeal Court to schedule a hearing date. Regarding the outstanding 3.5% salary increase, he said both the union and the city failed to reach an agreement during the recent CCMA-led negotiations regarding the process to finalise such an increase for municipal workers. He said the bargaining council has scheduled the exemption hearing for July 21, 2025. Monakisi explained that the CCMA-facilitated talks were held ahead of the upcoming exemption hearing at the bargaining council, in an effort to narrow down the issues in dispute and explore possible settlement options that could be formalised as a bargaining council award. However, the meetings failed to yield consensus between the two parties, but they agreed on the value of ongoing dialogue before the scheduled hearing. Monakisi said Samwu remains committed to these discussions, hoping to reach a mutually beneficial resolution in the best interest of workers. 'The union remains relentless in its position that the 3.5% salary increase, owed to workers from 2021, must be honoured. The prolonged delay in payment has imposed significant financial strain on municipal workers, who continue to provide essential services under increasingly difficult conditions. In this regard, Samwu's legal team is diligently preparing for the exemption hearing, with the aim of securing a just outcome for our members,' he said. Monakisi emphasised that the City of Tshwane has confirmed the availability of funds to meet its obligations to employees. He was referring to Mayor Nasiphi Moya's State of the Capital Address two months ago, where she noted Tshwane's improving financial outlook due to decisive actions and increasing resident support. 'We are proud to report that our cash reserves are projected to reach R2.86 billion in the 2025/26 financial year. This marks an important step toward financial stability, with our liquidity coverage improving from 23 days to 43 days over the next two years,' she said. The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union demanded transparency and accountability, arguing that the city cannot claim financial stability for the public while citing financial distress as a reason for not paying its workforce. Last month, the city and both unions jointly acknowledged the strain the ongoing wage dispute had placed on municipal employees. 'The city reaffirmed its appreciation for the dedication of its workforce and its commitment to working collaboratively with organised labour to find a fair and sustainable resolution,' parties said in a statement. [email protected]
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Wage talks between Samwu and City of Tshwane break down, leaving workers in limbo
The recent CCMA-led talks between Samwu and the City of Tshwane failed to reach an agreement over the outstanding 3,5% wage increase for the 2021/22 period. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Media The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)-facilitated talks between the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the City of Tshwane on June 10 and 23, 2025, broke down without an agreement over the outstanding 3.5% wage increase for the 2021/22 period. The talks followed a May 9 Labour Court ruling, which sent the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new hearing on the 3.5% wage increase after the city initially sought an exemption. In the same breath, the court ruled that the city is exempt from implementing a 5.4% wage increase for the 2023/2024 financial year after it cited financial constraints. The city approached the court after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council. 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 ✕ Ad Loading Samwu regional secretary Donald Monakisi said the union has formally appealed against the ruling on the 5.4% salary increase and is waiting for the Labour Appeal Court to schedule a hearing date. Regarding the outstanding 3.5% salary increase, he said both the union and the city failed to reach an agreement during the recent CCMA-led negotiations regarding the process to finalise such an increase for municipal workers. He said the bargaining council has scheduled the exemption hearing for July 21, 2025. Monakisi explained that the CCMA-facilitated talks were held ahead of the upcoming exemption hearing at the bargaining council, in an effort to narrow down the issues in dispute and explore possible settlement options that could be formalised as a bargaining council award. However, the meetings failed to yield consensus between the two parties, but they agreed on the value of ongoing dialogue before the scheduled hearing. Monakisi said Samwu remains committed to these discussions, hoping to reach a mutually beneficial resolution in the best interest of workers. 'The union remains relentless in its position that the 3.5% salary increase, owed to workers from 2021, must be honoured. The prolonged delay in payment has imposed significant financial strain on municipal workers, who continue to provide essential services under increasingly difficult conditions. In this regard, Samwu's legal team is diligently preparing for the exemption hearing, with the aim of securing a just outcome for our members,' he said. Monakisi emphasised that the City of Tshwane has confirmed the availability of funds to meet its obligations to employees. He was referring to Mayor Nasiphi Moya's State of the Capital Address two months ago, where she noted Tshwane's improving financial outlook due to decisive actions and increasing resident support. 'We are proud to report that our cash reserves are projected to reach R2.86 billion in the 2025/26 financial year. This marks an important step toward financial stability, with our liquidity coverage improving from 23 days to 43 days over the next two years,' she said. The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union demanded transparency and accountability, arguing that the city cannot claim financial stability for the public while citing financial distress as a reason for not paying its workforce. Last month, the city and both unions jointly acknowledged the strain the ongoing wage dispute had placed on municipal employees. 'The city reaffirmed its appreciation for the dedication of its workforce and its commitment to working collaboratively with organised labour to find a fair and sustainable resolution,' parties said in a statement.
