Pilots reject FlySafair offer as strike, lockout continue
The impasse between low-cost domestic airline FlySafair and striking pilots continues, after 90.4% of the pilots represented by trade union Solidarity rejected the company’s final wage and working conditions offer.
Pilots voted on Sunday on the latest offer by FlySafair after the airline had brought forward its deadline for the deal’s acceptance, threatening a lockout until 5 August if pilots refused the terms.
The strike, which has entered its second week, has seen the airline operating a reduced flight schedule with disruptions minimised since last Monday.
Solidarity General Secretary Gideon du Plessis confirmed the overwhelming rejection and ongoing industrial action.
"Ninety-point-four percent of the pilots have rejected the final offer and indicated that they are willing to strike further."
In an effort to break the deadlock, Solidarity plans to submit a counter-settlement proposal to the company by midday on Monday.
"Solidarity will make a settlement proposal to the company by midday (MondaY), with the hope that we can then get together tomorrow (Tuesday) to hopefully try and settle this matter. The CCMA will also approach both parties to see if we are willing to meet tomorrow," said du Plessis.
Although the original wage demand stood at 10.5%, du Plessis confirmed the union has since moderated its position.
"That demand is not what we are asking for anymore. It’s closer to 7%, and the offer that was made is basically in that range."
However, the union maintains that the dispute extends beyond salary negotiations. Core to the pilots’ demands are concerns over rest periods, mental health, and long-term well-being.
"The changes that they wish to make to the shift roster system is to allow them more rest periods, but also more quality life and a work-life balance, which is currently not the case," said du Plessis.
Solidarity is also accusing FlySafair of direct interference with striking workers.
"Top management are now contacting each and every striking pilot and try to persuade them to return to work, but they do it in such a way that they actually intimidate the pilots. They’re merely aggravating the situation by doing that."
Both the strike and lockout processes are expected to continue until 5 August unless a new agreement is reached before then. Should a settlement be reached this weekend, du Plessis said pilots could resume duties the very next day.
"If we settle the matter, for instance, today or tomorrow, the strike and the lockout will immediately be lifted, and then the pilots can go back to work the following day."
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