South African pilot exodus warning

Trade union Solidarity is preparing to enter into salary negotiations with FlySafair to improve the employment conditions of pilots, which it believes threatens an exodus of skilled personnel.

The union believes poor employment conditions, particularly a contentious rostering system, could push skilled pilots to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Remón Viviers, Solidarity’s network organiser for the aviation industry, has stressed the need for improved working conditions and competitive salaries for FlySafair’s pilots. 

He explained that while salary discussions are a key component of the upcoming negotiations, addressing broader concerns such as pilot well-being and work schedules is equally important.

According to Viviers, one issue among pilots is a recently introduced rostering system that has significantly affected their quality of life following its implementation. 

“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,” he said. 

Pilots have expressed frustration over the system, which they claim is inflexible and disruptive, making it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Solidarity has repeatedly warned that pilot dissatisfaction could lead to staff departures, damaging FlySafair’s ability to maintain its operations efficiently. 

Viviers criticised FlySafair’s management for not fully understanding the extent of the issue, warning that if left unresolved, it could complicate salary negotiations. 

“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,” he said.

“This is necessary not only for the well-being of the pilots but also for the sustainability of FlySafair and the broader aviation industry in South Africa.”

The first formal engagement on issues raised by Solidarity is expected to take place next week, 20 March 2025.

FlySafair’s response

While Solidarity awaits the official start date for salary discussions, FlySafair has responded to the union’s concerns. 

The airline told BusinessTech that it acknowledged Solidarity’s statement regarding the negotiations. FlySafair defended its rostering system, stating that it aligns with industry standards and best practices. 

“Our rostering system is the same as that implemented by all other airlines in South Africa and many others around the world,” the airline said.

“It is designed to optimise aircraft utilisation, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately reduce costs—allowing us to continue offering competitive fares to our passengers.”

FlySafair also highlighted that the system was developed with pilot lifestyle considerations in mind, offering new features such as flight swaps, bidding for preferred flights before schedules are published, and preferential leave bidding. 

“These are all 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 said.

Acknowledging that any transition can present challenges, FlySafair emphasised that extensive consultations were held before the new rostering system was implemented in February. 

The airline appreciated the pilots’ engagement during this process and maintained that the system enhances pilots’ operational efficiency and flexibility.

FlySafair reiterated its commitment to offering competitive remuneration and working conditions that align with industry standards. It assured that it would approach the negotiations in good faith.

Addressing concerns about pilot departures, the airline stated that while some turnover is natural, it continues to attract a high volume of applications from qualified candidates looking to join its ranks. 

“We remain open to discussions with Solidarity and all relevant stakeholders, with the goal of ensuring both the well-being of our pilots and the continued success of FlySafair,” the airline added.