FlySafair has confirmed that it is maintaining a “stable but reduced” flight schedule as the new week begins, with more pilots gradually returning to duty.
This comes as the pilot strike, now entering its second week, shows no signs of resolution following a failed attempt to reach an agreement with trade union Solidarity.
The strike was sparked by a lockout implemented by the airline last week and remains deadlocked over one central issue: scheduling.
Pilots are calling for fixed scheduling rules, which they say are critical to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In contrast, the airline argues that such a rigid system would undermine operational flexibility and efficiency.
FlySafair has instead proposed the creation of an independently chaired roster committee, made up of both airline and pilot representatives.
According to the airline, the purpose of this body would be to test and refine any proposed scheduling changes in real-time before they are formally adopted.
Despite this offer, Solidarity rejected the proposal, expressing frustration that the current scheduling system leaves pilots vulnerable to unpredictable and exhausting rosters.
The union said pilots often start late-morning shifts that stretch past midnight, disrupting family life and adequate rest. It believes any new roster system must have genuine authority and transparency.
While FlySafair claims its current system is standard within the global airline industry, allowing pilots to access their full rosters by the 20th of the previous month and offering a duty swap marketplace.
Solidarity insists that it lacks consistency and control for crew members. The union maintains that the previous scheduling model provided greater stability.
Solidarity acknowledged that FlySafair’s recent three-year salary offer was largely acceptable but emphasised that pilot wellbeing was being compromised under the existing algorithm-driven scheduling system.
Details of the next negotiation meeting, which is expected to involve the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), have not yet been confirmed. Solidarity had not responded to requests for further comment at the time of publication.
Facebook Comments