FlySafair (FA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) anticipates no flight disruptions after having reshuffled its operational schedules in anticipation of a planned strike by its pilots that could begin on July 21, the airline confirmed in a statement.
It said that the Solidarity union and the pilot union are expected to issue a formal notice of their intention to down tools "at any time from Friday morning [July 17], with industrial action potentially commencing on Monday or 72 hours after the notice is issued".
This follows formal permission for the industrial action granted in the form of a strike certificate issued by South Africa's Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on July 17.
On July 16, FlySafair and Solidarity, in separate statements, confirmed they had reached a deadlock after three months of negotiations over improved employment conditions for the company's pilots. FlySafair’s final offer of a 5.7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation had been rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity members, the union said, adding that the relationship between pilots and management had reached "an absolute low".
Solidarity warned that discontent over a new shift roster and separate cabin crew wage talks could lead to further action.
FlySafair's chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, said the airline respects employees' right to strike, remains committed to constructive dialogue, and aims to balance staff needs with the company’s long-term sustainability.
