Latest news with #UnionSolidarity
The South African
21-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Airline pledges ‘minimal disruption' from FlySafair pilot strike
A disruptive FlySafair pilot strike has already been extended from a single day (Monday 21 July 2025) to two weeks. This is the word of FlySafair pilot strike organiser, Union Solidarity, responding to the low-cost airline's hardline approach of locking all striking pilots out for seven days. 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. 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.
The South African
19-07-2025
- General
- The South African
FlySafair pilots too tired to fly YOUR flight
The ongoing dispute between FlySafair and its pilots, now escalating into a two-week strike, has cast the spotlight on a critical aviation safety concern: Pilot fatigue and deteriorating work-life balance in South Africa's low-cost airline sector. While much of the public discourse has focused on flight delays and salary disputes, pilots represented by Union Solidarity say the core issue goes far beyond pay. According to the union, the strike action – supported by 88% of FlySafair pilots – is rooted in mounting frustration over excessive workloads, inadequate rest periods, and unrelenting rosters that they argue jeopardise both safety and well-being. 'The majority of our pilots are burnt out,' a Solidarity spokesperson said. 'Many of them report chronic fatigue and minimal recovery time between long duty cycles. This is not just about salaries – it's about safety in the skies.' Aviation experts warn that pilot fatigue is a real and growing risk, especially as airlines expand their schedules to meet post-pandemic demand. Fatigued pilots are more likely to make errors in judgment, and international safety bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have urged airlines globally to adopt strict Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS). FlySafair's pilots have reportedly expressed concern over scheduling practices that often push legal limits, with rest periods allegedly falling below international best practices. 'We've raised these concerns repeatedly,' said one pilot on condition of anonymity. 'But nothing changes. We're simply exhausted.' FlySafair, meanwhile, has defended its rostering and safety record. Spokesperson Kirby Gordon said the airline complies with all Civil Aviation Authority regulations and is committed to constructive engagement with staff. 'We are disappointed in the strike escalation but are working hard to minimise disruptions,' Gordon said. 'FlySafair's number one priority remains the safety of our passengers and crew.' The airline has adjusted its flight schedules and issued penalty-free rebooking options for affected travellers. Aviation analysts say FlySafair's situation reflects broader tensions in the low-cost carrier model, where lean staffing and high-frequency flights can stretch crew members thin. 'South African aviation is overdue for a conversation about crew fatigue and sustainable scheduling,' said aviation consultant Nkululeko Dube. 'Fatigue doesn't just affect one airline – it's an industry-wide concern that requires regulation and transparency.' The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is facilitating talks between FlySafair and Solidarity. While the union remains open to mediation, it insists that pilot wellness must be prioritised before any deal is reached. 'No matter how well-maintained a plane is, it's only as safe as the people flying it,' Solidarity concluded. Strike duration : Two weeks starting Monday, 21 July : Two weeks starting Monday, 21 July Core issue : Pilot fatigue and poor work-life balance : Pilot fatigue and poor work-life balance Union stance : Rest time and wellness must be addressed : Rest time and wellness must be addressed Airline response : Flights adjusted; mediation ongoing : Flights adjusted; mediation ongoing Safety concern: Experts urge stronger fatigue regulation 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.
