The longest pilot strike in South African history has ended after 12 days of industrial action at FlySafair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to trade union Solidarity, the breakthrough came after a proposed settlement facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which both the airline and the pilots accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helgard Cronj\u00e9, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, described the agreement as the closest middle ground that could be reached. “This brings an end to the longest pilot strike and lockout in South African history,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He explained that a key outcome of the deal is a more structured and transparent shift roster system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previously governed by flexible \u201csoft rules,\u201d the new system will now follow fixed guidelines, limiting management\u2019s ability to make arbitrary changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the central issues in the dispute was time off for pilots. The new agreement stipulates that pilots will get at least one uninterrupted 60-hour weekend break every six weeks, amounting to a minimum of nine weekends off annually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pilots will also have the ability to swap shifts among themselves and will be given at least ten days off per month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they are required to work during scheduled off days, they will be able to reclaim those days the following month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile the agreement is an important step, there are still some concerns that it only protects the most basic rights of the pilots,\u201d Cronj\u00e9 said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is unacceptable that an employee has to strike for 12 days to obtain written confirmation from an employer for basic protective measures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that the conflict resulted in losses for all parties and also caused severe disruption for passengers and the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On remuneration, pilots will see salary increases of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8%, and 6.9% over the next four years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These same percentages will apply to travel, accommodation, and medical allowances adjustments. Additionally, pilots flying more than 65 hours a month will receive extra compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To offset the effects of the \u201cno work, no pay\u201d rule applied during the strike, pilots will receive a once-off ex gratia payment of 15% of their monthly salary and the option to cash in five days of leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cronj\u00e9 also criticised the approach to labour relations throughout the conflict, and said that the pilots and Solidarity were forced to use media and open letters to communicate with management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He credited the CCMA\u2019s intervention for helping steer the parties to a resolution and thanked facilitators Duduzile Madubanya and Mahmood Fadal for their persistence and long hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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