The ongoing pilots’ strike at low-cost carrier FlySafair has entered its second week, causing nationwide flight disruptions as the airline and the pilots’ union, Solidarity, continue mediation talks at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Solidarity is demanding a formally revised written schedule for pilots, claiming that no updated rosters or guarantees for adequate rest weekends have been provided by the airline. The union emphasized that the dispute is not only about salaries but also about flight rosters and working conditions, which they argue directly affect pilot safety and passenger well-being.
Earlier this week, the pilots issued an open letter to FlySafair, highlighting their concerns over fatigue and operational safety. They stressed that their primary demand is stability and insisted that they never intended for the strike to escalate to this level. In the letter, the pilots also rejected FlySafair’s public statements regarding their salaries and working hours, calling them misrepresentations.
The strike has intensified pressure on the airline, which has maintained that it will not engage in a public debate over the dispute and is instead focused on reaching a resolution through formal mediation processes. As talks continue, both sides are under increasing scrutiny, with passengers and industry stakeholders urging a swift resolution to restore normal flight operations and ensure aviation safety.
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