STRIKE DISRUPTS FLIGHTS

FLYSAFAIR passengers were left stranded yesterday as pilots went on a strike over wages and working conditions.

According to union Solidarity, which is representing the aggrieved pilots, the airline is refusing to participate in a mediation process initiated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

Solidarity said in a statement released on Monday morning: “The CCMA has offered its help in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act (No. 66 of 1995) to resolve the dispute between Solidarity and FlySafair. 

“Solidarity has formally agreed to the CCMA process, but by the end of the weekend FlySafair was still refusing to agree to it.

However, FlySafair has slammed the allegations.

The airline told IOL: “FlySafair has not refused to participate in the CCMA process. In fact, engagement with the CCMA is a prerequisite for obtaining a protected strike certificate, and FlySafair has been actively involved in these processes from the outset.

“We continue to engage with both the CCMA and Solidarity in good faith and remain committed to constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the dispute as quickly and reasonably as possible."

FlySafair said it cancelled eight percent of its flights on Monday after pilots who had previously indicated their availability to fly, instead joined the two-week strike.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said it was aware of the ongoing operational disruptions affecting FlySafair flights and said it has implemented contingency measures to minimise disruptions.

ACSA added: “While a number of flights have been cancelled, the majority of FlySafair services are operating as scheduled, and airport operations continue as normal.

The airports company said passengers should contact FlySafair directly for flight-specific updates and use the ACSA Mobile App for live flight notifications.

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

Solidarity has accused FlySafair of having an “aggressive business style”, leading to around 90 percent of its members voting in favour of a strike.

Solidarity is demanding a 10.5 percent increase for 2025/26, with pilots claiming they’re still earning 10 percent less than pre-pandemic levels.