FlySafair flights continue as wage dispute deepens with cabin crew

The South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) has reaffirmed that it is not on strike and does not intend to strike while wage talks with low cost airline FlySafair continue. SACCA said its members were locked out of work by the airline after both parties failed to reach an agreement on salary adjustments and working conditions.

The airline announced on Monday that it had initiated a lockout following weeks of unsuccessful negotiations. This comes after cabin crew raised long standing concerns over pay, allowances, and work schedules. The dispute, which started formally on November 4, has highlighted growing tension between the airline and its employees over compensation and working conditions.

FlySafair said operations remain stable despite the industrial action. The company confirmed that flights have been operating on time with no cancellations or major delays reported. “FlySafair remains committed to constructive and good faith engagement with the South African Cabin Crew Association and continues to seek a swift and fair resolution to the current impasse,” the airline said in a statement.

To help fast track negotiations, FlySafair submitted a Section 150 application to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) requesting priority mediation. The airline said this step was taken to protect passengers and support an expedited settlement in the public interest.

The cabin crew have expressed frustration that FlySafair’s pay offer does not adequately address their needs. Their demands include a higher wage increase, improved travel and meal allowances, and revised work schedules that would ensure better rest periods between flights. Crew members say the current offer of a 5.7 percent salary increase and a 7.5 percent annual bonus falls short of matching the rising cost of living.

SACCA said the association is ready to return to talks if the airline shows commitment to resolving the dispute fairly. “Our members have not declared a strike. We are willing to continue discussions to reach a solution that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our cabin crew,” SACCA said.

FlySafair maintains that its pay package is competitive and consistent with industry standards. The airline said it values its staff and has made “considerable efforts” to meet some of the crew’s concerns within the current economic climate. The company also thanked staff members across departments for ensuring that operations remained smooth while talks continue.

“FlySafair appreciates the professionalism of all staff across the business and remains focused on maintaining safe and reliable operations while negotiations continue,” the airline said.

FlySafair, one of South Africa’s leading budget carriers since its launch in 2014, operates key domestic routes including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha. Both FlySafair and SACCA said they are hopeful that mediation through the CCMA will help end the dispute and restore stability within the airline’s operations.