Flights rescheduled in South Africa with pilots set to strike

Selected flights from Tuesday, 22 July to Monday, 28 July 2025 may be moved after the airline failed to reach an agreement with trade union Solidarity.

Solidarity announced that its members would likely go on strike over a wage dispute, with the majority of the trade union’s members rejecting a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation measures.

Solidarity noted that the rejection of the offer was not only due to its content but also due to the tense relationship between the pilots and the airline’s management.

Salary negotiations were also impacted by the company’s policy on leave and days off, with pilots stating that it is detrimental to their quality of life and does not meet minimum expectations.

Pilots are also frustrated by a new rostering system, which they claim is inflexible and disruptive. This is a separate matter, which could trigger separate strike action, the union warned.

When it comes to the wage-related strike, Solidarity and FlySafair will finalise the strike rules on Thursday, 17 July, under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

“The poor relationship between management and pilots has now led to the public bearing the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict,” said Solidarity.

Moving flights

Responding to questions from BusinessTech, FlySafair said that it is proactively making schedule changes as a precautionary measure in light of the labour disputes.

Kirby Gordon, Flysafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, said the changes will only affect selected flights between Tuesday, 22 July, and Monday, 28 July 2025.

Customers whose flight times are affected will be contacted using the contact details they provided at the time of booking.

Customers are also encouraged to check the status of their bookings or make changes at no additional cost to more convenient alternative flights via its website.

“FlySafair will continue efforts to minimise inconvenience and maintain safe, reliable services during this period. The airline thanks customers for their patience and understanding,” said Gordon.

“We have no line of sight as to whether a strike will take place and if so, for how long and to what extent, but we have decided to act (preemptively) to ensure that any possible disruptions are minimised.”

The certificate will give union members the right to embark on protected strike action following the required 72 hours’ notice to the airline.

The airline said that it respects the right that the certificate affords its pilots, as well as the rights of their colleagues who choose to continue to work.

“We deeply value our pilots and the critical role they play in delivering the FlySafair experience.”

“We respect their right to raise concerns and remain committed to engaging in good faith to reach a constructive resolution that supports our people, our passengers, and the long-term viability of our business.”

Industrial action at FlySafair may not be limited to the pilots, with FlySafair and solidarity also locked in a separate salary negotiation with its cabin crew, potentially leading to another dispute. 

Issued on BusinessTech by Luke Fraser | https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/831862/flights-rescheduled-in-south-africa-with-pilots-set-to-strike/