FlySafair passengers should expect disruption as a two-week pilots’ strike started today.

According to The Witness, the strike follows trade union Solidarity confirming nearly 90% of its pilots voted in favour of industrial action.

Talks between Solidarity and the low-cost airline over pay and working hours have reached a deadlock.

FlySafair said 8% of its flights will not take to the sky today, despite earlier reassurances that operations would not be affected by the start of the strike.

Kempton Express reports these pilots last week voted in favour of striking, prompting Solidarity to issue a one-day strike notice to bring the airline to the negotiating table.

However, FlySafair responded by initiating a seven-day lockout of pilots – a move that could be extended for another week if the deadlock remains.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to intervene to help resolve the dispute. While Solidarity has agreed to the process, FlySafair has reportedly declined the intervention.

“We welcome the CCMA’s intervention,” said Solidarity’s Helgard Cronjé. “The disruption of an airline is a matter of national interest. Our aim with the one-day strike notice was to get FlySafair to the negotiating table, but instead they escalated the disruption by locking out pilots for at least seven days.”

FlySafair Responds to Pilot Action, Affirms Commitment to Passengers and Constructive Engagement

Media Statement: https://t.co/jiiFAjyFWt pic.twitter.com/UDF8SkPLpd

— FlySafair (@FlySafair) July 20, 2025

At the core of the dispute are disagreements over pay and scheduling.

Solidarity is demanding a 10.5% increase on base salaries along with additional flight pay and bonuses. FlySafair says this would amount to more than a 20% increase in overall costs – an escalation the airline describes as unsustainable.

The airline has offered a 5.7% increase on base pay, with added benefits bringing the total increase to 11.29% on a cost-to-company basis.

FlySafair maintains its pilots are among the highest-compensated professionals in the country, with captains earning between R1.8m and R2.3m annually. It also says pilot flying hours remain well within regulatory limits.

Another point of contention is the pilot rostering system implemented earlier this year. FlySafair argues the system aligns with global industry practices to improve operational efficiency while providing pilots with advanced rosters for planning.

Solidarity, however, claims the airline’s aggressive approach to managing its pilots has fuelled conflict and damaged trust.

“We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our loyal customers and the broader flying public,” FlySafair stated. It added that the airline remains committed to reaching a resolution that balances fair compensation for employees with financial sustainability and affordable fares for South African travellers.

Solidarity has indicated it remains ready to negotiate through the CCMA to avoid further disruption.

Meanwhile, The Witness spoke to an expert who shared tips on rebooking and rerouting amid the strike. You can read the article here.

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