FlySafair, Solidarity union head back to negotiating table after ‘some progress made’

The mediation process between FlySafair and Solidarity, the labour union representing the carrier's striking pilots, is set to resume on Friday afternoon.

“We have reached a sensitive stage in the discussions and some progress has been made. Parties will reconvene on Friday at 2pm, to continue discussions,” a source at Solidarity told IOL.

The strike and lockout conditions remain the same since talks began on Wednesday, the source added, and in the interim, parties have agreed to a media blackout to “ensure the integrity of the process”.

A FlySafair spokesperson told IOL that the airline continues to run a stable, reduced timetable and remains engaged in mediation with Solidarity and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

The airline has reportedly entered into an agreement with South African Airways (SAA) to operate two of its daily flights under a “passenger protection agreement”.

However, there are fears that flight cancellations could be necessary next week if the strike is not resolved. That’s because the pilots who are currently operating FlySafair’s reduced schedule could reach their legal flying time limit by then, The Citizen reports. These regulations, designed to prevent fatigue, state that pilots cannot fly for more than 40 hours within a seven-day period.

According to Solidarity, the strike was initially meant to last for one day (Monday), in order to get FlySafair to the negotiating table. But it said the airline then responded by locking out the pilots for seven days.

Solidarity member pilots are demanding a 10.5% increase for 2025/26, with pilots claiming they’re still earning 10% less than pre-pandemic levels. However, FlySafair says that this would amount to a cost-to-company increase of more than 20% once additional demands had been factored in, which it says is an unsustainable escalation for any company. The airline has offered its pilots an “above inflation” increase of 5.7%.

FlySafair maintains that its pilots are among the best-compensated professionals in South Africa, with captains earning between R1.8 million and R2.3 million per year.

However, the pilot roster system is a significant point of contention for pilots.

ALSO READ: Why FlySafair pilots are striking - it's more than just money

In a statement released earlier this week, Solidarity claimed that FlySafair’s new rostering system drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, impeding their rest periods and undermining their family life.

“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.

“In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours,” Solidarity said.

Responding to earlier accusations that pilots were overworked, FlySafair said its captains spent an average of 63 hours in the cockpit last month, which is well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority, IATA and ICAO, which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to IOL for further updates.

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