Latest news with #Flysafair
The Citizen
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Union expects ‘mass exodus' of pilots as 12-day Flysafair strike ends
A four-year deal was signed between Flysafair and the unionised pilots. The 12-day strike by FlySafair pilots has officially ended after a settlement agreement was reached, though concerns remain over a potential mass exodus of pilots. FlySafair confirmed on Friday that its management had signed a formal agreement with the trade union Solidarity through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The pilots initiated the strike on 21 July, demanding salary adjustments and changes to their roster system, including flexible leave days. The strike disrupted flight schedules and impacted thousands of customers. ALSO READ: Here's how much FlySafair pilots are earning as increase offer rejected FlySafair had initially offered a 5.7% wage increase, claiming that the pilots already earned between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually. However, the unionised pilots rejected the offer, first demanding a 10.5% increase before lowering it to 7%. As part of the agreement, pilots will now receive salary increases of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8%, and 6.9% over the next four years. Flysafair pilots strike ends FlySafair's Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, expressed satisfaction with the 'constructive resolution' reached, which will help the airline resume full-capacity operations. 'The return of our full schedule will help bring much-needed capacity back to the market, which is essential to restoring fare equilibrium and making travel more affordable again for South Africans. 'The agreement marks the conclusion of a challenging but ultimately productive negotiation process,' Gordon said in a statement on Friday. READ MORE: FlySafair accuses rivals of safety violations amid investigations into its own near-crash incident The airline said that with all planes back in service and schedules back to normal, airfares should stabilise 'in the coming weeks' as more seats become available. Solidarity spokesperson Helgard Cronjé bemoaned that the mediation process came at a high cost and could have been resolved earlier. He also claimed that the new shift roster system will now be governed by fixed rules instead of 'soft rules', which previously allowed management to make arbitrary adjustments. Solidarity believes Flysafair strike could have been avoided Moreover, Solidarity Secretary-General Gideon du Plessis criticised the airline, saying the pilots were forced to strike for what they rightfully deserved. 'It's really bittersweet because you know, the things that we've settled on after 12 days of strike is what we've been asking for since February this year. 'It's just gobsmacked that the pilots had to go out on a 12 day strike to get just what they asked for,' he told SABC in an interview on Friday. Du Plessis detailed the new work-life balance provisions for pilots, explaining that the emloyees will now receive at least one 60-hour weekend off every six weeks. 'They will also have 10 guaranteed days off per month because remember they work any of the seven days of the week. READ MORE: Rostering issue at heart of pilot strike, says Solidarity 'They can also swap the day with another pilot, say for instance, there's a family commitment, they may be able to swap with another pilot, but also if they have to go and work on a legal off day, then they can get that off day back the following month. 'It's so ridiculous that they had to go and strike to get this. The company must have lost hundreds of millions of rands, while the pilots have lost 12 days of remuneration to get what we ask for.' Due to the 'no work, no pay' principle, the affected pilots will receive a one-off payment equal to 15% of their monthly salary. They may also cash in five leave days to help ease the financial impact. 'It's a bittersweet deal, but in the end it was like a silent or a non-violent revolt of the pilots because the company said they didn't want to listen to them,' Du Plessis continued. Pilots mass exodus? He also warned of possible long-term consequences to the airline's workforce. 'They are very angry, they are very disappointed in the company, were bullied, they were intimidated during the strike so what we expect is a mass exodus of pilots.' Du Plessis pointed out that major international carriers like Emirates are currently hiring, presenting potential opportunities for disillusioned FlySafair pilots. 'The company has got a serious problem because they're going to lose many pilots who are just purely disappointed and disgruntled,' he said. 'It's just very concerning what will happen next but at least, we've managed to solve the big issue and is to bring the strike and the lockout to an end. 'The pilots can return to work on Sunday but there's a serious relationship building that needs to happen immediately,' Du Plessis added. NOW READ: FlySafair under fire for offshore payouts amid staff wage freezes
The South African
01-08-2025
- Business
- The South African
Flysafair pilot strike officially comes to an end
After nearly two weeks of grounded flights and tense negotiations, Flysafair pilots have finally reached an agreement with management, marking the end of the longest pilot strike and lockout in South African aviation history. According to IOL , the breakthrough came on Friday, 1 August, when both the airline and the pilots accepted a settlement brokered by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The union Solidarity confirmed the deal in an email. Helgard Cronjé, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, said the agreement represents a compromise. 'There are no winners in this process.' Cronjé said. One of the key changes is a new shift roster governed by fixed rules, replacing the previous 'soft rules' system that pilots said allowed management to basically change schedules arbitrarily. In addition to that, pilots will receive annual salary increases of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8%, and 6.9% over the next four years, a step down from their initial demand for a 10% hike. 'We are pleased to have reached a constructive resolution that allows us to move forward together,' Kirby Gordon, CMO of FlySafair, said, as per Travel News . 'The return of our full schedule will help bring much-needed capacity back to the market, which is essential to restoring fare equilibrium and making travel more affordable again for South Africans.' Gordon also added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
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
Time Out
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Two-week FlySafair pilot strike: Here's what travellers need to know
FlySafair pilots represented by trade union Solidarity are set to embark on a protected stay-away strike starting Monday, 21 July, and running through to 5 August 2025. The industrial action comes after negotiations between the airline and its flight crew reached a deadlock earlier this month. Solidarity members have reportedly rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation adjustments, with the union alleging that the majority of FlySafair's pilots are 'exhausted, unheard and unvalued.' The airline has rejected claims that 90% of its cockpit crew will be unavailable. A statement issued by Flysafair states that a 'large body of pilots' are not participating in the action, ensuring no disruption to its flight schedule. FlySafair currently operates an estimated 60–65% of South Africa's domestic seat capacity. The exact number of pilots participating in the upcoming strike remains unconfirmed. Here's what to do if you're flying soon: Double-check your flight details via the Manage Booking tool on If your flight has been moved and the new time doesn't work for you, you can change it free of charge Keep an eye on your email and SMS inbox for updates from the airline While the union cites fatigue as one of its concern, FlySafair insists it adheres to the industry's required Flight Duty Period and rest time regulations, according to Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's Chief Marketing Officer who states all flight and duty regulations are 'strictly adhered to, with thick margins,' noting that any breach would be illegal. Gordon also emphasised that the airline runs a sophisticated Fatigue Risk Management System designed to ensure pilot fatigue is proactively managed. "The airline's roster system is consistent with those used by other South African carriers and many international airlines, with FlySafair's system "more accommodating than most, offering pilots a full month's view of their schedules." The airline has proactively reduced its flying schedule. 'From a commercial perspective we've taken the heat beforehand by shaving down the schedule somewhat and flying less, and effectively reducing our capacity to earn income just to ensure operations remain stable, but in essence customers can at leas have confidence when they book.' Gordon said. For now, FlySafair flights are running on schedule. If you're flying early next week and are affected, don't stress! Just stay informed. Check your booking, confirm your times, and maybe allow a little extra time at the airport in case things shift quickly.
