Flysafair passengers face major disruptions on Monday as more than 200 pilots began a two-week strike over a wage dispute.

The industrial action, led by the trade union Solidarity, follows failed negotiations over salary increases. Pilots demanded a 10.5% increase this financial year, along with an additional 8.5% over the next two years. Flysafair, however, only offered 5.7%.

The airline confirmed that 26 flights scheduled for Monday have been cancelled, affecting routes between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein and Lanseria. All affected flights include domestic routes such as Cape Town to Johannesburg, such as FA112, FA690, FA104, and Durban to Cape Town, like FA179.

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Solidarity, which represents two-thirds of Flysafair’s pilots, warned that disruptions could last up to two weeks after the airline announced plans to lock out pilots for seven days, with the possibility of extending the lockout for another week.

The union had initially served notice for a one-day strike but extended it in response to what they described as Flysafair’s escalation.

“This follows an overwhelming vote, with nearly 90% of the pilots voting in favour of a strike… In the meantime, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has offered to mediate again. Solidarity has agreed, but FlySafair has yet to return to the negotiation table,” said Solidarity in a statement.

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Solidarity also criticised the airline’s actions as “reckless towards the public”, saying pilots are calling for salary restoration post-COVID, better rest provisions, and protection of employment conditions.

Flysafair has urged passengers to stay updated via SMS and its website

“We understand the frustration and are doing everything possible to minimise the impact.”

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