The quality of life for pilots stands at the forefront of discussions between Solidarity union representatives and FlySafair management, as mediation talks are held today to address ongoing industrial action. While the pilots are advocating for a salary increase, including a restoration of their pay to pre-COVID-19 levels, the union emphasises that improvements in working conditions are equally crucial.According to Solidarity, “A new rostering system, recently implemented unilaterally by FlySafair, has drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, which have been in place for the past decade.”
The union argues that this change has severely impeded adequate rest periods and disrupted pilots’ family lives, a sentiment echoed by many affected pilots.Highlighting the demanding nature of their roles, Solidarity pointed out that “as pilots’ workdays often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of pilots and passengers alike.” The current scheduling regime forces pilots to work seven days a week, significantly straining family commitments and personal time.In light of these concerns, Solidarity is proposing new measures aimed at fostering a better work-life balance. Among the requests are at least one weekend off within each five-week scheduling cycle, as well as two consecutive days off for rest and family time. The union is also seeking flexibility for pilots to exchange shifts with colleagues when necessary due to family responsibilities.
Additional schedule proposals are set to be submitted during the ongoing mediation process.”A schedule compromise will not incur any additional costs for the employer,” Solidarity stated. “If FlySafair complies with these reasonable requests, we will be prepared to review the salary increase demand and all other related claims and be willing to compromise.”Despite the ongoing industrial action, FlySafair reported that all flights were operating as scheduled yesterday, with only two cancellations due to the strike impact. The airline implemented a reduced flight schedule last week to manage disruptions, ensuring that affected customers were kept informed through SMS and email notifications. FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, acknowledged the stress travel disruptions can cause, particularly for long-planned trips. “We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything in our power to restore full operations as quickly as possible,” he stated.
The airline’s commitment to engaging in discussions has been highlighted, affirming their involvement with the CCMA process in good faith to secure a protected strike certificate.For passengers seeking updates on their flights, FlySafair encourages them to access the “Manage My Booking” section on their website and check the Travel Updates page for the most recent information. Airport teams are also available to assist with re-bookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements, ensuring travellers receive the support they need during this turbulent time.