FlySafair pilots threaten strike after wage talks collapse

Key topics:

• Over half of FlySafair pilots plan to strike over wage disputes

• Pilots rejected a 5.7% raise, demand 10.5% and inflation-linked hikes

• Strike threat follows past issue with airline's local ownership rules

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By Rene Vollgraaff

More than half of the pilots at South Africa’s largest airline FlySafair are preparing to go on strike after failing to reach and an agreement on wages, labor union Solidarity said.

The majority of the 211 pilots represented by Solidarity rejected the low-cost carrier’s final offer of a 5.7% raise, Deputy General-Secretary Helgard Cronje said by phone. The labor union’s members, who make up about two-third of FlySafair’s total pilots, are demanding 10.5% in the first year and inflation-linked increases in the subsequent two years, he said. 

The threat of a strike comes six months after FlySafair faced being grounded for breaching local ownership laws. The Department of Transport then gave the airline — which accounts for about 60% of the domestic seat capacity in South Africa and carries on average 30,000 passengers per day — a year to comply or risk having its license revoked.

Solidarity and FlySafair will finalize rules on Thursday under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and the first strike could then start a few days later, Cronje said in an emailed statement. 

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Salary negotiations at FlySafair reach deadlock; pilots ready to strike

Issued by Solidariteit

Negotiations between Solidarity and FlySafair over improved employment conditions for the company’s pilots have reached a deadlock after three months. FlySafair’s final offer – a 5,7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation – was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity members.

According to Solidarity Deputy General Secretary Helgard Cronje, the rejection is not only due to the content of the offer; it is especially due to the extremely tense relationship between the pilots and FlySafair’s management. “The relationship is at an absolute low,” Cronje said.

Even before the start of the salary negotiations, a dispute over a new shift roster system had arisen – a core issue for pilots as it has a negative impact on their family life. This roster dispute is a separate matter which, according to Solidarity, could trigger another possible strike after the strike over the salary increase has ended.

Another obstacle in the salary negotiations was the company’s new policy on leave and days off. Pilots believe that these policies are detrimental to their quality of life, and that they are unfavourable and do not meet minimum expectations.

Solidarity and Safair will finalise the strike rules on Thursday, 17 July, under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The first strike regarding the salary dispute could then commence a few days later.

Meanwhile, Safair is also locked in separate salary negotiations for cabin crew which, by all indications, are also heading towards a dispute.

“These negotiations can be seen as a failure in labour relations,” Cronje said. “The poor relationship between management and pilots has now led to the public bearing the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict.”

FlySafair Pilot Negotiations: Commitment to Passengers, Safety, and Constructive Engagement

Issued by FlySafair

Johannesburg, 16 July 2025 - FlySafair confirms that negotiations with its pilot group,  represented by the trade union Solidarity, have reached a deadlock. As noted in Solidarity’s  statement, this development will result in the issuance of a strike certificate, granting pilots the  right to engage in protected industrial action. FlySafair remains firmly committed to ensuring  passenger safety, maintaining operational continuity, and continuing constructive engagement  with its flight crew. 

“Our passengers remain a key priority through this process,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing  OGicer at FlySafair. “We are fully prepared to manage the situation responsibly, with  contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to our schedule and service.  Customers can continue to book and travel with confidence.” 

The strike certificate gives union members the right to embark on protected strike action  following the required 72 hours’ notice to the airline. 

“We respect the right that this certificate aGords our pilots, and equally the rights of their  colleagues who choose to continue to work.” 

FlySafair stressed that current operations remain fully compliant with all aviation safety  regulations. 

“We deeply value our pilots and the critical role they play in delivering the FlySafair experience,”  Gordon added. “We respect their right to raise concerns and remain committed to engaging in  good faith to reach a constructive resolution that supports our people, our passengers, and the  long-term viability of our business.” 

“We believe in building a sustainable aviation industry in South Africa — one that retains talent,  prioritises wellbeing, and delivers exceptional service,” Gordon concluded. “We are confident in  our team’s ability to navigate this period with professionalism and care, and we thank our  passengers for their continued trust.”