FlySafair Faces Strike Threat Over Stalled Salary Negotiations

Johannesburg – A strike at FlySafair is on the horizon as Solidarity, representing the majority of pilots, has announced a stalemate in salary negotiations with management.

“After three months of talks aimed at improving the working conditions for the company’s pilots, negotiations between Solidarity and FlySafair have reached a deadlock,” the union declared in a statement on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

Solidarity reported that FlySafair’s last offer—a 5.7% salary increase along with additional compensation adjustments—was largely rejected by its members.

Helgard Cronje, the union’s Deputy General Secretary, highlighted that the rejection was due not only to the offer but also to the “extremely strained relationship between the pilots and FlySafair’s management.”

Cronje pointed out: “The relationship is at a record low.”

Adding to the complexity, a dispute regarding a new shift roster system had emerged even prior to salary negotiations, negatively affecting the pilots’ family lives.

“This roster issue is separate, and according to Solidarity, it could also lead to another striking action after the salary dispute is settled.”

Furthermore, new policies on leave and days off introduced by the company have created additional obstacles in the salary discussions.

Pilots contend that these policies negatively impact their quality of life and fail to meet fundamental expectations.

“Solidarity and FlySafair are expected to finalize strike protocols on Thursday, 17 July, with support from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA),” the statement continued.

“The initial strike related to the salary dispute may begin shortly after.”

Simultaneously, FlySafair is also in separate salary negotiations with cabin crew, which seem to be heading toward a similar conflict.

“These negotiations illustrate a breakdown in labor relations,” Cronje commented.

“The increasingly poor relationship between management and pilots has ultimately resulted in the public experiencing the fallout from ongoing workplace disputes.”