FlySafair is preparing for wage talks with the trade union Solidarity, set to begin on Thursday. The negotiations aim to improve salary packages and working conditions for pilots, following concerns that the airline risks losing skilled personnel to better-paying international opportunities. Solidarity’s aviation representative, Remon Viviers, highlighted that pilots face mounting pressures that are driving them to consider jobs abroad. While the union hasn’t disclosed its wage demands, Viviers stressed the importance of securing competitive salaries and improving pilot wellbeing to stabilise the airline’s workforce. Solidarity remains committed to ensuring FlySafair maintains its reputation as a reliable airline.
The talks follow a disruptive strike by SAA pilots in December, where initial salary demands of 30% were revised to 15.7%, before a final agreement was reached at 9.47%. Meanwhile, Solidarity has raised concerns over FlySafair’s newly introduced rostering system, which they claim negatively impacts pilots’ quality of life. Viviers warned that unless these rostering concerns are addressed, FlySafair risks further staff losses, potentially affecting its operational stability. The union believes the airline’s management may be underestimating the impact of the new system, which could hinder wage negotiations.
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, defended the rostering system, noting it aligns with industry best practices and was designed to improve operational efficiency while managing pilot welfare. Gordon said the system allows pilots to bid for preferred flights, request swaps, and plan leave more effectively. Despite concerns, he emphasised that extensive consultation had occurred before the system’s rollout in February. Meanwhile, FlySafair faces scrutiny from the National Consumer Council (NCC) over its overbooking policy. The airline defended the practice as standard in global aviation, while competitors like CemAir criticised it as “unethical.” The outcome of the wage talks and roster concerns will be crucial in shaping FlySafair’s future stability.