Latest news with #KirbyGordon
Eyewitness News
04-08-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
FlySafair confirms end of strike by some of its pilots
CAPE TOWN - FlySafair has confirmed that strike action by some of its pilots has ended. The airline said this follows signing a formal agreement between FlySafair management and the union Solidarity. FlySafair pilots had called for salary adjustments and an amended roster system with rest time and leave benefits. READ MORE: The agreement comes after several weeks of intensive engagement under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon said, "We are pleased to have reached a constructive resolution that allows us to move forward together. Returning to our full schedule will bring about much-needed capacity back to the market, which is essential to restoring fare equilibrium and making travel more affordable again for South Africans." SOLIDARITY CALLS ON FLYSAFAIR TO REVISIT LABOUR PRACTICES Union Solidarity has called on flySafair to review its labour practices after a 12-day strike by some of the airline's pilots. Solidarity said FlySafair's pilots have agreed to return to work after accepting salary increases of up to 6.9% over the next four years. The union said pilots will also receive one weekend off every six weeks, and nine weekends off per spokesperson, Helgard Cronjé, said there were no winners in the mediation process."While the agreement is an important step, there are still concerns that it only protects the most basic rights of the pilots. It is tragic that the employees needed to strike for 12 days to get a written agreement that protects only their basic rights." FlySafair said it's pleased to have reached a resolution for the airline to return to its full schedule.
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 Citizen
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
FlySafair pilot strike drags on
While the union initially demanded a 10.5% salary increase, pilots have now moderated their position and are now asking for a figure closer to 7%. The stand-off between FlySafair and its pilots has intensified after more than 90% of unionised pilots rejected the airline's final wage and working conditions offer. This now casts doubt over operations and deepens an already fragile relationship between the flight crew and management. Last week, The Citizen reported that pilots who continue to operate may run out of legal flying time, which could result in more FlySafair planes being parked. A revised offer from trade union Solidarity is expected to be tabled on Monday. A FlySafair pilot told The Citizen that they reckon FlySafair will 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. They're losing money constantly, and they're pissing off their own pilots in the process.' 'They are pissing off the pilots' A cartoon purportedly drawn by FlySafair management is labelled fake by the company. Picture Supplied But the public warfare seems mutual. A cartoon, purportedly drawn by FlySafair Chief Financial Officer Pieter Richards, depicting its pilot body with the headline 'over paid matriculants,' has been circulated on social media. FlySafair's Kirby Gordon said that 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.' Also Read: Strike strain may ground more FlySafair flights next week While the union initially demanded a 10.5% salary increase, pilots have now moderated their position and are now asking for a figure closer to 7%. However, he stressed that salary is only part of the problem. Pilots complain about the rostering system, fatigue and being overworked. Fatigued and overworked The airline, which has been operating on a reduced schedule since the strike began last week, has faced mounting pressure to resolve the dispute as disruptions continue across its domestic network. 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 that '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 that we are treated.' Solidarity's Helgard Cronjé 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. Pilots have warned that the current situation is not sustainable,' Cronjé told media. He said the relationship between pilots and FlySafair's management has 'crumbled,' and accused the airline of taking a clinical approach driven by profit at the expense of the people who keep the operation running. 'Incredible display of guts' Private Facebook group FlyAfrica's Duncan Gillespie echoed the sentiment in a strongly worded statement of support for the striking 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: FlySafair's Kirby Gordon: 'Mr Nice Guy' does a nice fly
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
FlySafair responds to pilot strike: majority of flights operating, apologises to affected customers
The strike stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of its pilots. FlySafair confirms that while most flights are operating as scheduled, approximately 12% of services have been cancelled on Monday 21 July, due to pilots withdrawing their availability from flights that had previously been confirmed late Sunday night. All affected customers were notified via SMS using the contact details provided at booking. Customers are encouraged to check the Travel Updates page on for the latest information. Airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebooking, refunds, and alternative arrangements. 'We sincerely apologise to all affected customers. We understand the disruption this has caused and are doing everything we can to assist those involved,' says Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair. What's behind the strike? The strike stems from a pay dispute between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing a portion of its pilots. While the union has framed its demand as a 10.5% increase in base salary, the full package, including flight pay, bonuses, and other benefits, equates to a 20.1% increase in total cost to company. By contrast, FlySafair's current offer includes a 5.7% increase on base salary, which is 1.5% above inflation, and when fully costed, represents an 11.29% increase in total cost to company. The airline maintains that this is a fair and responsible offer, especially in an economic climate where most companies are offering increases of around 4%. 'We must balance competitive pay with the responsibility we have to our 1,700 employees, the affordability we offer South African travellers, and the long-term health of the business,' says Gordon. FlySafair captains currently are paid between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, placing them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Many earn more than members of the airline's Executive Committee. Are pilots overworked? FlySafair captains averaged 63 hours of flight time last month, well below the regulatory limit of 100 hours. For comparison, a typical full-time employee works around 160 hours per month. The airline maintains that its pilot utilisation is compliant and not excessive. Strike escalation and ongoing talks The union initially called for a one-day strike, timed to coincide with the end of the school holidays. In response, FlySafair issued a defensive lockout, a standard labour protocol. Due to the nature of airline rostering, this meant affected pilots would not be rostered for seven days. Solidarity then escalated the action to a two-week strike. FlySafair has not rejected CCMA intervention and continues to engage with the commission and the union in good faith. Commitment to customers and employees FlySafair acknowledges the disruption caused to customers and is working to minimise the impact. The airline also highlights its responsibility to its 1 700 other employees, whose livelihoods are linked to the company's financial sustainability. 'We're committed to resolving this matter constructively and quickly. Our focus is on restoring full operations while ensuring that FlySafair remains a sustainable and affordable option for South African travellers,' says Gordon. Contact: Kirby Gordon [email protected] +27 71 636 0236
The Herald
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Flights reduced but stable amid partial pilot strike, FlySafair says
FlySafair says all flights scheduled for Wednesday are operating as planned despite industrial action by a portion of its pilot workforce led by Solidarity. The airline said it is operating 'a reduced but stable schedule'. On Tuesday, it operated 95.2% of its reduced schedule on time, with 'most of our pilots actively at work'. As part of its contingency plans, two of about 120 daily flights operated by the airline will be conducted under a passenger protection agreement with SAA. 'Our focus remains on supporting our customers and restoring full operations as quickly as possible, said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair's chief marketing officer. 'The airline remains committed to resolving the matter constructively and will continue its engagement with Solidarity through the mediation process led by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration this afternoon.' TimesLIVE
