FlySafair pilots have returned to duty after what was regarded as the longest pilot strike and lockout in South African history, following a 12-day dispute over scheduling and working conditions.

The breakthrough came as the airline and Solidarity, the union representing its striking pilots, signed a formal agreement facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

“After 12 days of lockout and strike action by FlySafair pilots, an agreement has finally been reached through the CCMA’s proposed settlement,” said Gideon du Plessis, general secretary of Solidarity.

The resolution ends weeks of tension that saw grounded flights, public confusion, and growing criticism from both sides.

“There are no winners in this process,” said Helgard Cronjé, deputy general secretary of Solidarity, who confirmed that both parties accepted the CCMA-led proposal as the closest possible middle ground.

A key point of contention was FlySafair’s rostering system, which pilots argued allowed management to arbitrarily adjust schedules using vague “soft rules.” 

The new agreement introduces fixed scheduling rules, removing this discretion.

IOL News previously reported that the FlySafair had initially resisted the fixed rules, pointing out the need for flexibility to ensure operational efficiency. 

The airline’s system, it said, was aligned with international standards and allowed pilots to receive full rosters by the 20th of the preceding month, with a marketplace to facilitate duty swaps.

However, Solidarity contended that the lack of predictability in scheduling disrupted pilots’ personal lives, denied them leave due to staff shortages, and raised safety concerns.

However, the final deal now guarantees pilots at least one 60-hour weekend off every six weeks, totaling a minimum of nine weekends off per year. 

They will also receive at least 10 days off per month. Pilots required to work on scheduled days off will be allowed to reclaim that time the following month.

Cronjé said that under the agreement, pilots will receive salary increases of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8%, and 6.9% over the next four years. 

These increases will also apply to annual adjustments of travel, accommodation, and medical allowances.

In addition, pilots will be paid extra for any hours flown beyond 65 hours per month. 

To help offset losses from the strike under the “no work, no pay” rule, FlySafair will make a one-time ex gratia payment equal to 15% of pilots’ monthly salaries.

Pilots can also cash in up to five days of leave.

Earlier in the week, with the strike stretching into its second week and no resolution in sight, Solidarity released an open letter to the public, defending the pilots against accusations of greed.

“Let us be clear: this strike is not about greed. It is about dignity. It is about safety. It is about fairness. It is about being heard,” the statement read.

The union highlighted what it described as a “growing culture of silence and fear” at the airline, where safety concerns, fatigue, and staff attrition were routinely dismissed or met with intimidation.

Solidarity also pushed back on claims that pilots earned between R1.8 million and R2.4 million annually, clarifying that only a small group of senior captains earned at that level. 

Most pilots, it said, earn significantly less and have not seen salaries return to pre-COVID levels, despite earlier promises.

The union disputed FlySafair’s claim that pilots fly an average of 63 hours per month, stating that many fly between 85 and over 100 hours per month, excluding standby and training duties. 

The union further claimed the total duty time often exceeds 180 hours monthly, close to the legal limit of 200.

Solidarity also raised concerns about a legal exemption FlySafair obtained to fly pilots up to 120 hours a month, calling it unsafe in a high-risk industry.

Cronjé criticised FlySafair management for what he called unnecessary delays in negotiations.

“This agreement could already have been reached in February,” he said. 

“Had FlySafair management made the same concessions regarding the roster at that time, the strike and lockout could have been avoided. Management’s obstinance in response to the reasonable appeals of their pilots led to conflict and losses for all parties. It also caused severe disruption for passengers and the public.”

He said Solidarity has never encountered such a difficult negotiation process in its history.

“The pilots’ input during the finalisation of the agreement only confirmed how little trust they have in FlySafair’s management,” he said. 

“If drastic change does not take place, this settlement will not prevent an outflow of pilots – something that will be to the great detriment of the company and the country.”

Meanwhile, FlySafair, welcomed the conclusion of the strike.

“We are pleased to confirm that the strike action by a portion of our pilot workforce has officially come to an end,” said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s chief marketing officer. 

“This follows the signing of a formal agreement between airline management and Solidarity today, concluding several weeks of intensive engagement under the guidance of the CCMA.”

He said the airline is now focused on restoring its full schedule and stabilising airfares.

“With all aircraft returning to active duty and schedules being normalized, we anticipate a stabilization of airfares in the coming weeks as more seats become available across the network,” Gordon said.

FlySafair thanked the CCMA, its staff, and passengers for their patience during the disruption.

“As we turn the page on this chapter, we genuinely look forward to having our entire team back together and working collaboratively to continue delivering the great service our passengers know and love,” Gordon said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL 

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