The strike action by FlySafair pilots, now entering its second week, has prompted the trade union Solidarity to urge CEO Elmar Conradie to intervene and facilitate a return to negotiations. At the heart of the dispute is the increasingly contentious pilot roster system, which has left many pilots feeling uneasy and dissatisfied with their working conditions.
Solidarity reports that ten pilots have resigned in the past month, attributing their departures to the unpredictability of the current roster. According to media reports, Gideon du Plessis, Solidarity’s Secretary-General, expressed his frustration with the stalled negotiations, stating, “We would have had a settlement, but there are so many egos involved. It’s the sideshows that make it difficult.” Du Plessis emphasised that while the sustainability of FlySafair is a key concern, the core issue lies in the attitudes of the negotiating team towards the pilots, who are described as the airline’s most vital employees.
“It seems there is quite a dislike for pilots in the negotiating team,” Du Plessis continued. “That’s why we ask the CEO, who we understand is a skilled negotiator, to get involved. We believe a simple intervention could lead to a settlement.”
On the other hand, FlySafair has voiced its hope that Solidarity can present a constructive counterproposal, having previously rejected several proposals made by the airline. The airline, which operates as a low-cost carrier, acknowledges that the strike has led to a significant number of flight cancellations, compounding the challenges faced by passengers and the airline’s operations.
During discussions mediated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), negotiations surrounding working conditions have proven difficult, with Solidarity accusing FlySafair of failing to sufficiently commit to resolving key issues related to pilots’ workloads.
Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, commented on the ongoing negotiations on EWN: “The company has made six revisions to our proposals in this process while the union has only made two. This suggests they are not moving from their position. A constructive outcome is possible if they can present us with a meaningful counterproposal, as this would lay a foundation for further discussions.”
Noting the balance between maintaining productivity and addressing pilot grievances, Gordon reiterated that the airline remains committed to working collaboratively towards a resolution that respects the needs of both the pilots and the company.