FlySafair And Solidarity Reach Agreement Ending Pilot Strike To Bring Back Full Flight Operations

The FlySafair pilot strike has officially come to an end, following the signing of a formal agreement between airline management and Solidarity on August 1.

This comes after several weeks of negotiations under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

FlySafair began restoring full capacity to its flights. The airline anticipates a stabilisation of airfares in the coming weeks as more seats become available across the network and aircraft return to operation.

“We are pleased to have reached a constructive resolution that allows us to move forward together,” says Kirby Gordon, CMO of FlySafair. “The return of our full schedule will help bring much-needed capacity back to the market, which is essential to restoring fare equilibrium and making travel more affordable again for South Africans.”

The resolution

The agreement was the closest middle ground both parties could reach and included a new roster system. The new agreement allows pilots at least one 60-hour weekend off during each six-week cycle, with a minimum of nine weekends off per year. They will also receive at least 10 days off per month.

Pilots who are required to work on leave days will be able to reclaim those days in the following month and will also be allowed to exchange shifts with other pilots.

Regarding salaries, pilots will receive increases of 6%, 6,5%, 6,8% and 6,9% respectively over the next four years. The same percentage increases will be used for annual adjustments to travel, accommodation, and medical allowances. Pilots will also receive extra pay for flight hours beyond 65 per month.

To soften the impact of the ‘no work, no pay’ during the 12-day strike and lock-out, pilots will receive a one-time payment equivalent to 15% of their monthly salary and five days of leave.