Cabin crew at South Africa’s largest airline, FlySafair, have officially gone on strike after wage negotiations with management reached a deadlock, the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) confirmed on Tuesday, 4 November.

The industrial action began at midnight, following the union’s rejection of the airline’s latest pay offer.

Despite the walkout, FlySafair has said that its flights remain fully crewed and operating on schedule, with contingency plans in place to minimise disruption.

FlySafair cabin crew walk out

The dispute centres on salary increases, bonuses, and allowances, as well as how the airline compensates for what workers describe as a “lunch-hour sacrifice.”

SACCA Deputy President Christopher Shabangu has said that the union remains open to finding a resolution but emphasised that members have grown frustrated with stalled talks.

FlySafair had offered employees a 5.7% pay increase, a 7.5% annual bonus, pay progression, and additional monthly allowances: an offer the airline noted exceeds the national inflation rate of 3.4% recorded in September.

The carrier also confirmed that the two sides have agreed to seek guidance from the Department of Labour on the interpretation of certain provisions of the Labour Relations Act, though it stressed that these legal clarifications are separate from the ongoing strike.

“This strike, and the settlement agreement that needs to be signed, is fundamentally about compensation and about members feeling heard, both within the organization.” Kirby Gordon, the airline’s chief marketing officer said.

The strike comes just months after FlySafair ended a 12-day standoff with its pilots over pay and working conditions.