South African Airways (SAA) has acknowledged a notification from the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) and the National Transport Movement (NTM) Pilot Forum regarding their decision to commence ‘work-to-rule’ industrial action starting today, March 19.

In a media statement, SAA said it regrets the pilots’ decision to proceed with industrial action, “particularly given the comprehensive and favourable final offer extended by the airline on March 5.

SAA’s Response and Contingency Plans

SAA Group CEO, Prof. John Lamola, reassured stakeholders that measures are in place to minimise disruptions.

“We have implemented strong contingency measures to reduce the impact of this industrial action. Our priority is to maintain uninterrupted service while keeping customers and partners informed with real-time flight updates. We remain committed to resolving outstanding issues through constructive dialogue while upholding the highest standards of safety and operational reliability,” Lamola emphasised.

SAA continues to operate under significant financial pressures, including high fuel costs, a weakened rand, intense market competition, and increasing labour costs.

Also read: PROTEST: Major traffic delays on routes around Kempton Park

Key developments in pilot salary negotiations

Negotiation Timeline:

• May 2024: Pilots initially demanded a 30% salary increase, later reduced to 15.7%.
• November 2024: SAA implemented a 7.2% average salary increase and increased the medical aid subsidy from R2,275 to R4,000 per month. This offer was rejected, leading to a pilot strike on December 5, 2024.
• December 2024: Strike suspension negotiations resulted in key agreements, including:
  • An additional 1% increase on Total Cost of Employment (TCE), effective 1 December 2024.
  • Adjustments to duty-free days (DFDs) and sick leave policies.
  • Payment of all SAA V1 leave in March 2025.
  • Daily domestic allowance of R200, effective from December 13, 2024.

Final Offer (March 2025):
On March 5, SAA presented its final offer, including:

1. Salary increases and longevity model

   • A 3-year salary increase agreement with a longevity salary progression model.
   • A 7.66% increase on TCE, effective from April 1, 2025.
   • Additional 3% annual increases in 2026 and 2027, adjusted for CPI.

2. Improved rostering and duty hours

   • Implementation of the SAAPA duty hours proposal from May 1.
   • Duty hours away from base credited at 4h30 per 24-hour cycle after rest.

3. Leave adjustments

   • One additional leave day per year, plus an extra day in voting years.

4. Enhanced travel benefits

   • Six ID75 tickets for independent children.
   • Six ID75 tickets for parents.
   • 12 ID90 tickets (previously six).
   • One confirmed ID00 return ticket per year for pilots’ spouses when travelling with the pilot.

5. Shared roster system for female pilots

   • A pilot exercise allowing female pilots with children to share a roster (two weeks on, two weeks off) at half pay and benefits, effective from April 1, 2025.

6. Transparency in rostering bids

   • Pilots will be involved in the user specifications process to enhance rostering technology procurement.

Commitment to resolution

Despite financial constraints, SAA maintains that its offer is fair and competitive.

“We believe this salary increase is reasonable given SAA’s current financial state, which has been transparently communicated throughout negotiations,” the airline stated.