FlySafair faces union challenges as pilots push back on new rostering system

Banele Ginidza

The battlelines have been drawn between FlySafair and trade union Solidarity in looming negotiations over the employment conditions and rostering of pilots, which the labour organisation said the airline was haemorrhaging due to poor management.

In a statement on Thursday, Solidarity's network organiser for the aviation industry, Remón Viviers, said the union had repeatedly expressed its concerns about the changes in the shift schedule, which they said was causing great dissatisfaction among members.  

"Solidarity is currently engaged in a dispute with FlySafair over a new rostering system that has had a significant negative impact on pilots’ quality of life," Viviers said.

"If this issue is not addressed urgently, it could result in further staff losses, which could have a serious impact on the airline's operations."

Viviers added that FlySafair’s management did not realise how disruptive and frustrating the new rostering system is for pilots.

"These negotiations are of critical importance as several factors are forcing pilots to consider other job opportunities and would enter enter into salary negotiations with FlySafair with the aim of improving the employment conditions of pilots, thereby limiting the exodus of skilled personnel."

Responding to Business Report, FlySafair Executive for Marketing Korby Gordon said the airline looked forward to engaging in productive discussions with the union and would ensure fair and constructive outcomes for all stakeholders.

"Our rostering system, which is the same as that implemented by all other airlines in South Africa and many others around the world, is designed to optimise aircraft utilisation, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately reduce costs—allowing us to continue offering competitive fares to our passengers," Gordon said.

"Simultaneously the system is designed against global best practice to manage pilot lifestyle considerations with new features like flight swaps, bidding for specific flights before rosters are published, and preferential leave bidding."

He said these were some of the improvements on the previous system and take place within the strict parameters of flight and duty regulations and our advanced fatigue risk management framework.

"FlySafair deeply values its pilots and recognises that transitions can present challenges. We appreciate the extensive and constructive consultation that took place ahead of the roster’s implementation and thank our team for their engagement throughout the process," Gordon said.

He said the new system, which has been in full operation since the beginning of February, reflected both operational best practices and pilot input.

"Its implementation is now complete, and we are pleased to see pilots adapting to and benefiting from its enhanced flexibility and efficiency. FlySafair remains committed to offering competitive remuneration and working conditions that align with industry standards, and is committed to approaching these upcoming negotiations in good faith," Gordon said.

"While we experience natural turnover, consistent with industry and our historical norms, we also continue to receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates eager to join our team, reflecting confidence in our employment environment. We remain open to discussions with Solidarity and all relevant stakeholders, with the shared goal of ensuring both the well-being of our pilots and the continued success of FlySafair as a leading South African airline."

Meanwhile, Viviers said Solidarity was currently awaiting confirmation of a date on which salary negotiations will be formally launched.

Viviers said the union remained committed to negotiating a fair and sustainable agreement for its members and ensuring that FlySafair will be able to maintain its position as a reliable and stable airline.

"This lack of understanding could potentially have a negative impact on the salary negotiations, and therefore it is crucial that a mutually beneficial solution is found during the negotiations – not only for the well-being of the pilots, but also for the sustainability of FlySafair and the broader aviation industry in South Africa," Viviers said.

BUSINESS REPORT