The FlySafair pilot strike has stretched into a second week after the airline’s pilots, represented by trade union Solidarity, rejected the company’s final offer on wages and working conditions.
Pilots reject final offer as negotiations hit deadlock
On Sunday, 90.4% of pilots voted against accepting the deal, with the airline warning of a possible lockout until 5 August 2025.
According to Jaca News, the airline made its final offer public and gave pilots a strict deadline to accept it.
However, with the overwhelming rejection, the strike has continued, forcing the airline to operate with a reduced flight schedule since last Monday.
Union to submit new proposal as CCMA steps in
Solidarity’s General Secretary, Gideon du Plessis, said the union plans to submit a counter-settlement offer by midday on Monday.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which often helps resolve labour disputes in South Africa, is expected to facilitate talks between the two sides on Tuesday.
While the original pay increase demand from pilots was 10.5%, Solidarity confirmed it has since reduced its request to about 7%. The company’s offer reportedly falls within that range.
But the disagreement is not just about pay.
Solidarity insists the strike is also about working conditions. Pilots are asking for more rest time between flights and a better balance between work and personal life.
“The changes that they wish to make to the shift roster system is to allow them more rest periods, but also more quality life and a work-life balance, which is currently not the case,” Du Plessis stated.
The union also accused FlySafair of trying to pressure pilots into ending the strike by contacting them directly, which it described as intimidation.
FlySafair confirmed on Monday that some flights were delayed due to what it called a “minor technical issue.” For example, flight FA 356 from Lanseria to George and its return leg, FA 357, both had adjusted departure and arrival times.
The airline has apologised and said passenger safety remains its top priority.
Unless a deal is reached, both the strike and lockout could last until 5 August 2025.
However, Solidarity said if a resolution is found sooner, the strike would be lifted immediately and pilots could return to work the next day.