FlySafair pilots face lockout amid strike vote fallout

FlySafair is poised for significant flight disruptions in the next two weeks following a decision to lock out around 200 pilots for seven days on the back of industrial action starting on Monday.

This drastic move comes on the heels of an overwhelming 90% of the airline's pilots voting in favour of a strike over a wage dispute, igniting a standoff that could see the aviation landscape of South Africa affected for up to two weeks.

The turmoil began when Solidarity, the union representing FlySafair's pilots, issued a notice of a one-day strike intended to bring the airline back to the negotiation table.

However, the situation escalated when FlySafair responded with its own announcement of a seven-day lockout, which could extend for an additional week if the standoff remains unresolved.

While Solidarity has given notice of a one-day strike on Monday, it decided to extend it to 14 days, intensifying the looming crisis.

Negotiations have reached a deadlock after a majority of Solidarity members rejected the proposed a 5.7% salary increase. FlySafair pilots are demanding 10.5% for the next financial year and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter.

Solidarity spokesperson, Helgard Cronjé, on Sunday said the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered its mediation services once again but FlySafair has yet to accept this proposal, leaving pilot negotiations in a precarious position.

Cronjé said the union's initial call for a one-day strike was aimed at prompting the airline to return to the negotiating table and find a solution to ongoing disputes over salary rectification following cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside salary concerns, pilots are seeking assurances that employment conditions will remain stable, along with adequate provisions for rest and family time.

Solidarity urged FlySafair to reconsider its stance and re-enter negotiations, while the potential lockout looms closer, threatening not only the livelihoods of those involved but the travel plans of countless passengers who rely on the airline's services.

"If 90% of a company’s key personnel want to strike, something is seriously wrong. Solidarity is calling on FlySafair to return to the negotiating table," Cronjé said.

"The pilots are asking for their salaries to be rectified after the salary cuts during COVID, as well as for employment conditions not to be changed and for adequate provision to be made for rest and family time."

Solidarity said it regrets the inconvenience the strike may cause passengers but emphasised that this action did not stem from unreasonable demands but from months of frustration over a lack of fair treatment, insufficient and irregular rest periods, a healthy balance between work and family life and fair remuneration.

Meanwhile, FlySafair said it has already proactively adjusted its operational schedule to ensure continuity, and no disruption to flight operations was expected.

The airline said that customers whose future travel plans have been affected by these adjustments have already been notified via the contact details provided at the time of booking.

Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, said travellers wishing to review their flight details or, if affected by rescheduling, change to a more convenient option may do so free of charge via the Manage Booking section at flysafair.co.za.

"We deeply respect the rights of our employees to participate in this process," Gordon said.

"It is our responsibility to balance the needs of our people with the long-term sustainability of the company. We remain committed to constructive engagement and thank our customers for their understanding as we navigate this important period."

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