Mongezi Koko17 July 2025 | 15:42

FlySafair: Issuance of strike certificate doesn't mean a strike is looming

FlySafair insists that ongoing wage disputes at the airline do not signal a looming strike.

FlySafair: Issuance of strike certificate doesn't mean a strike is looming

A FlySafair aircraft. Picture: FlySafair

JOHANNESBURG - FlySafair insists that ongoing wage disputes at the airline do not signal a looming strike.

Fears of flights being grounded have grown, as pilots demand a 10% pay increase, almost double the 5.7% offered by the airline.

About two-thirds of FlySafair’s pilots are represented by the union Solidarity, which has already warned that its members may strike if their demands are not met.

Although FlySafair believes the standoff can be resolved before reaching a strike, it has already rescheduled several flights for the coming week as a precaution. 

READ: Solidarity says its members at FlySafair want airline to prioritise fixing their working conditions

Key issues on the table include salary negotiations affected by the company’s policy on leave and days off, as well as frustration over a new rostering system.

FlySAfair’s chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, said: "Unfortunately, they have not yet found common ground, which has resulted in the issuance of a strike certificate. That does not mean a strike is looming at this stage — there is still a requirement to give notice, so negotiations are ongoing."