7 November, Johannesburg – FlySafair confirms that operations continue to run
smoothly and on schedule, with all flights departing on time and forward schedules fully
protected.
The company and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) met again
yesterday in pursuit of a settlement. Following extended discussions at the CCMA,
FlySafair tabled an improved multi-year offer, which the union took to its members for
consideration. Regrettably, the membership voted against accepting the proposal.
FlySafair has consistently tabled an offer that remains one of the most competitive in
South Africa this year. The proposal includes:
- A guaranteed 7.5% annual bonus,
- Salary increases now ranging from 6% to 6.9% each year,
- Additional allowances and progression increases, and
- Improvements to uniform and commission structures.
Taken together, these terms represent total annualised improvements well over 19%
which is significantly above the national average of 3–5% increases granted by most
employers in 2025.
“We’ve worked hard to put forward an offer that is both generous and sustainable with a
genuine intention to find constructive resolution,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing
OEicer at FlySafair. “It’s unfortunate that the union’s leadership is only now fully
engaging deeply with the details of an offer that has been on the table for quite some
time. We believe the terms speak for themselves and represent exceptional value for
our cabin crew.”
While FlySafair remains open to constructive dialogue, the company notes that many of
the issues now being raised relate to interpretation, not substance. The figures and
timelines have been consistent throughout the process, and the company continues to
communicate transparently with all employees.
The airline remains fully operational, with more than two-thirds of its cabin crew
rostered for duty, and no impact on passengers anticipated.
It’s anticipated that the CCMA is will issue an official Certificate of Non-Resolution
(strike certificate), which formalises the picketing rules governing any future
demonstrations by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA). The union has
had the right to call a strike for some time given that more than 30 days have passed
since a formal dispute was declared at the CCMA, but this procedural step formalises
that position.
In parallel, FlySafair will be putting its latest and most comprehensive offer directly to all
cabin crew employees for consideration. Staff have until midnight on Saturday, 8
November to indicate acceptance.
To date, more than 46% of union-affiliated members have already accepted the
company’s previous, less favourable offer, signalling strong internal support for
FlySafair’s approach and confidence in the company’s proposal. These union members
have all returned to work.
FlySafair remains hopeful that the broader workforce will recognise the value of the
improved multi-year agreement, which remains among the most competitive in South
Africa’s employment landscape.
FlySafair has also approached the CCMA under Section 150 to ensure the continued
involvement of senior commissioners in facilitating a resolution that protects both the
workforce and the travelling public.
“Our focus remains on maintaining stability, transparency, and fairness,” Gordon added.
“We respect the rights of all employees to be heard, but equally, we have a
responsibility to protect the sustainability of the company for every one of the over 2000
people we employ.”
“We note the union’s public statements suggesting that FlySafair has acted dishonestly
or shifted the goalposts during this process. We reject these accusations outright. At
every stage, our goal has been to find a swift and fair resolution. The facts and figures of
our offer have remained consistent and transparent throughout, and it is unfortunate
that misunderstandings about the details have delayed progress on what is, by any
standard, an exceptionally generous proposal.”