FlySafair Pilots End Strike After 12-Day Lockout, Agreement Reached Through CCMA
Johannesburg, South Africa – After a tense 12-day industrial action that saw up to 200 FlySafair pilots, affiliated with the Solidarity trade union, grounded, a resolution has been brokered through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The agreement, described by Solidarity’s deputy general secretary Helgard Cronjé as the “closest middle ground” achievable, brings an end to what is reportedly the longest pilot strike and aviation sector lockout in South African history.
The core of the dispute revolved around a new shift roster system. Under the agreement, this system will now be governed by fixed rules, removing the previous “soft rules” that management coudl reportedly adjust arbitrarily. While FlySafair cannot guarantee pilots one full weekend off per month, the new terms stipulate that pilots will receive at least one 60-hour weekend off during each six-week cycle, equating to a minimum of nine such weekends annually. Pilots required to work on their designated days off will be compensated by having those days credited in the following month. The ability for pilots to exchange shifts among themselves has also been reinstated.Furthermore,pilots are guaranteed at least 10 days off per month.
On the wage front, the union’s initial demand for a 10% increase has been settled for phased salary hikes of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8%,and 6.9% over the next four years. Thes percentages will also be applied to annual adjustments for travel and accommodation allowances, as well as medical allowances. Pilots will also receive additional compensation for any hours flown exceeding 65 hours per month.To mitigate the financial impact of the “no work, no pay” rule during the strike and lockout, pilots will receive a one-off ex gratia payment equivalent to 15% of their monthly salary. Additionally, they will be permitted to cash in five days of their accrued leave.
The industrial action initially caused some flight cancellations on its first day. However, FlySafair implemented contingency measures that allowed subsequent operations to continue, albeit on a scaled-back schedule. The conciliation process,which ultimately resolved the dispute,was characterized by Cronjé as “exceedingly difficult.”
Key details Not in Original Article:
Specific Union: Solidarity trade union.
Mediating Body: Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Duration of Action: 12 days.
Number of Pilots Involved: Up to 200.
Wage Increase Structure: Phased increases of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8%, and 6.9% over four years.
Additional Compensation: For flying hours exceeding 65 per month.
One-off Payment: 15% of monthly salary as an ex gratia payment.
leave Entitlement: Ability to cash in five days of leave.
Minimum Guaranteed Weekends Off: One 60-hour weekend off per six-week cycle.
Minimum Guaranteed Weekends Off Annually: Nine.
Minimum Guaranteed Days Off Per Month: 10.
historical Significance: Longest pilot strike and aviation sector lockout in South african history.
Evergreen Context:
Labor disputes in the aviation sector frequently enough highlight the delicate balance between operational efficiency, pilot welfare, and economic viability.Roster systems, working hours, and compensation packages are critical components of pilot employment contracts, directly impacting job satisfaction and safety. The CCMA plays a vital role in South Africa’s labor relations framework, providing a platform for dispute resolution and preventing prolonged industrial action that can disrupt services and harm the economy. Agreements reached in such high-profile cases ofen set precedents for future negotiations within the industry.
