Travel disruptions loom as FlySafair pilots extend strike

The tension brewing between FlySafair pilots and management has escalated into a significant labour dispute, with the union Solidarity announcing a two-week extension of strike action originally planned for a single day on Monday, 21 July.

The aggressive move comes in direct response to FlySafair’s announcement of a seven-day consecutive lockout of its pilots, raising concerns about the future of air travel in South Africa.

In a statement, Solidarity expressed deep dissatisfaction with the airline’s abrupt and assertive tactics, claiming that the company is “opting” for a prolonged and destabilising conflict rather than seeking a resolution.

“This means that no flights can be guaranteed for the next two weeks,” the union stated, forewarning the public of potential disruptions on their travel plans due to the ongoing conflict.

With approximately 88% of FlySafair pilots reportedly voting in favour of the strike, the union highlighted that almost nine out of ten pilots feel compelled to protest against their current working conditions.

Months of frustration have culminated in the strike, with key grievances centred on unfair treatment, inadequate rest periods, and a lack of balance between work and family life, compounded by disagreements over remuneration. Solidarity has made it clear that their members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed wage increase of 5.7%, considering it insufficient for their needs.

Solidarity Deputy Secretary General, Heldard Cronjé, said there is a growing sense of neglect and burnout among members, and a crumbling relationship between crew and management.

“Working conditions have deteriorated, with flight schedules leading to serious exhaustion for our members. Pilots have warned that the current situation is not sustainable,” he said. 

Cronjé said Solidarity’s demands are not unreasonable and call for fairness, respect, and transparency to restore trust in FlySafair’s management. 

“The breach of trust between crew and management has reached a critical point where the future of many pilots at FlySafair is uncertain,” Cronjé said.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has intervened and reached out to facilitate mediation between the disputing parties. Solidarity has agreed to partake in the mediation process, signalling a potential pathway to resolving the standoff.

In the face of the turmoil, FlySafair's co-founder Kirby Gordon confirmed that a strike certificate had been issued to Solidarity and the Pilot Union, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He assured that the airline had made proactive adjustments to their operational schedules in an effort to limit disruptions for customers.

"Customers whose future travel plans have been affected by these adjustments have already been notified via the contact details provided at the time of booking,” Gordon said.

Despite the disruptions, FlySafair has reiterated its commitment to balancing employee rights with the airline's sustainability.

"Travellers wishing to review their flight details or, if affected by rescheduling, change to a more convenient option may do so free of charge via the Manage Booking section at flysafair.co.za.”

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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