Bob Adams from George, South Africa, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
South Africa’s top budget airline, FlySafair, is bracing for operational turbulence as its pilots prepare to strike on Monday, 21 July 2025 (with potential 14 days of strike). This follows the rejection of a final 5.7% wage increase offer, culminating in a legal strike certificate after months of failed negotiations.
According to SABC News, unionized pilots represented by Solidarity have confirmed their intention to proceed with industrial action. This announcement comes amid deep-seated frustration over stalled wage talks and growing dissatisfaction with management practices.
While salary is central, Solidarity’s Deputy General Secretary Helgard Cronjé highlighted deeper concerns: “It’s not only the numbers on paper it’s the erosion of trust and the wellbeing of pilots.” Key grievances include a new rostering system and tightened leave policies, which pilots claim have severely affected their work-life balance.
Union members are demanding:
- 10.5% salary increase in year one
- CPI + 4.5% in year two
- CPI + 4.0% in year three
This demand stands in stark contrast to FlySafair’s 5.7% one-time offer, which was overwhelmingly rejected by 84% of pilots. FlySafair has started rescheduling flights between 21–28 July and assured travelers of penalty-free rebooking. While contingency plans are in place, service disruptions are still expected, especially if ground staff or cabin crew join in solidarity.
The airline, which carries nearly 60% of domestic air traffic, now faces not just logistical headaches but also reputation risk, potential customer trust erosion, and regulatory scrutiny if tensions escalate.
