FlySafair Pilots Call Off Two‑Week Strike After Reaching Agreement with Solidarity

Two week walkout ends with landmark agreement on pay, scheduling, and work-life balance

FlySafair flights resume as pilots return to work after two-week strik

After two weeks of cancelled flights and tense negotiations, FlySafair pilots have officially called off their strike. The breakthrough came after the airline and trade union Solidarity reached an agreement addressing long-standing concerns around pay and scheduling.

What Sparked the Strike?

The conflict had been brewing for months. Over 200 FlySafair pilots roughly two-thirds of the airline's flight crew pushed back against a 5.7% salary increase offer from the company. Solidarity argued that the offer didn’t reflect rising living costs or the demands of the job.

But it wasn’t just about money.

Pilots also raised serious concerns over a new rostering system that they said disrupted work-life balance and made leave planning unpredictable. Tensions escalated as management stood firm, and pilots took to the picket lines on July 21.

Impact on Flights

During the strike, between 8% and 12% of flights were affected. FlySafair implemented emergency contingency plans, canceling dozens of flights while offering rebooking and refunds. In a rare move, South African Airways stepped in to help operate some of FlySafair’s routes to reduce the fallout for passengers.

Despite these efforts, the airline also initiated a seven-day lockout, a move that only deepened the standoff until mediation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) helped move talks forward.

What’s in the Agreement?

Under the deal, pilots will receive:

• Annual salary increases of 6.0%, 6.5%, 6.8%, and 6.9% over the next four years

• Equivalent increases in travel, accommodation, and medical allowances

• Extra pay for hours exceeding 65 flying hours per month

• At least nine full weekends off per year, including one 60-hour weekend every six weeks

• A fixed rostering system with formal scheduling rules and the ability for pilots to swap shifts

Solidarity hailed the agreement as a balanced solution one that doesn’t just improve financial compensation but also gives pilots more control over their schedules and personal time.

What This Means Going Forward

 says it's ready to move on and focus on delivering reliable, affordable service. The airline defended its original pay structure as sustainable for long-term growth but acknowledged the importance of employee well-being.

Solidarity emphasized that while the deal didn’t meet all their initial demands, it represents a “turning point” in improving working conditions. With ratification by members underway, both sides appear committed to restoring trust and rebuilding internal collaboration.