FlySafair is proactively adjusting flight schedules as a precautionary measure ahead of potential strikes by pilots.
This will affect selected flights departing between July 22 and 28. Passengers whose flight times have been affected are being informed of the changes.
On Wednesday (July 16), FlySafair confirmed that salary negotiations with its pilot group, represented by the trade union Solidarity, had reached a deadlock. Solidarity said it would finalise strike terms on July 17, with strikes possibly commencing a few days later.
Almost 84% of Solidarity members rejected FlySafair’s proposal of a 5,7% salary increase with some additional adjustments to compensation. The trade union represents almost two-thirds of FlySafair’s pilots.
According to Helgard Cronjé, Deputy General Secretary at Solidarity, there is a growing sense of neglect and burnout among members, as well as 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,” said Cronjé.
