The low-cost airline FlySafair is facing a workers’ strike, with cabin crew demanding higher salaries and improvements to their rosters.
The South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) confirmed that FlySafair cabin crew began striking at midnight on Tuesday (evening of 3 November), following failed wage negotiations with the airline.
The strike has affected roughly 4,000 members of the SA Cabin Crew Association. In addition, the airline claims that over two-thirds of its cabin crew have pledged to continue working.
FlySafair has assured passengers that there’ll be no cancellations or schedule disruptions, as backup plans have already been put in place.
The union says crew are demanding better pay, relief from growing workload pressures, and fairer flight duty and rest schedules.
A major grievance is the so-called “lunch-hour sacrifice,” where staff reportedly work through breaks without proper compensation, something SACCA deems outdated and unjust, especially with rising travel demand post-pandemic.
FlySafair’s recent offer of a 5.7% salary increase, 7.5% annual bonus, pay progression, and monthly allowances was turned down for not addressing long-term issues or the rising cost of living.
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, confirmed that “an agreement has not been met” between the airline and striking workers. While he described the talks as involving “constructive engagement,” he noted that “the parties did not finalise the settlements today.” As a result, a “work stoppage” initiated by the employer is set to begin “from midnight.” Despite the strike, Gordon reassured that FlySafair’s “full roster is…protected,” with flights still operating through a mix of non-unionised staff and union members who have “accepted the company’s offer.”
Both sides have now turned to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the Department of Labour for further mediation.
For the time being, SACCA insists the strike will go on until management returns with a stronger offer on salaries and crew welfare.
Source: MyBroadband
