Union Accuses FlySafair of “Bad Faith” as Cabin Crew Lockout Enters Second Week

FlySafair Faces Growing Backlash Over Cabin Crew Lockout

South Africa’s budget airline darling, FlySafair, is facing mounting criticism from the South African Cabin Crew and Alliances Union (Sacca), as the airline’s lockout of its cabin crew entered a second week with no sign of resolution.

What began as a series of wage and working condition talks has turned into a bitter standoff that has raised deeper questions about how South Africa’s aviation industry treats its frontline workers.

Talks Break Down, Trust Erodes

Sacca, which represents about two-thirds of FlySafair’s cabin crew, has accused the airline of reneging on agreements and negotiating in bad faith. According to the union, FlySafair changed terms after discussions were already underway, ignored key labour protections, and sidelined crew concerns that go far beyond salaries.

Sacca spokesperson Feroze Kader said that when negotiations began in May, there were 42 issues on the table, later narrowed to 21 key items “vital to the wellbeing of cabin crew.” But even that focused list, he said, was brushed aside.

“They gave us one minute per line item to explain our issues and told us they weren’t really interested in entertaining us,” Kader claimed.

The union has now formally requested the Department of Labour to intervene, citing violations of labour laws and a lack of transparency from management.

Crew Say It’s About Dignity, Not Just Money

While the dispute has been framed as a wage disagreement, crew members say the heart of the issue lies in working conditions from long hours to unpaid overtime.

According to Sacca, many cabin crew members work 11 to 12-hour shifts, six days a week, without overtime or Sunday pay. FlySafair, the union says, claims these employees earn above the threshold that would entitle them to such benefits a stance Sacca has dismissed as exploitative.

Adding to the frustration, crew members reportedly do not get proper meal breaks during marathon shifts and must remain on standby at home without compensation. “Even when they’re not in the air, they’re effectively still on duty,” Kader said.

Public Reaction and Industry Concerns

On social media, public opinion is split. Some passengers have expressed sympathy for cabin crew, saying they deserve fair treatment, while others worry about potential flight disruptions and service delays.

Labour experts note that the standoff mirrors broader tensions across South Africa’s aviation and logistics sectors industries still recovering from post-pandemic financial strain, yet grappling with rising worker discontent.

A Question of Corporate Culture

Behind FlySafair’s polished image as South Africa’s most punctual and affordable airline, Sacca alleges a culture of disregard for worker welfare. “The company’s international owners clearly don’t care too much about local staff,” Kader said.

The airline, for its part, did not respond to media queries before publication a silence that has only fuelled speculation about its stance.

What Happens Next?

With over two weeks of lockout and no resolution in sight, the dispute threatens to drag on potentially impacting FlySafair’s operations as the busy festive travel season approaches.

Sacca maintains it remains open to meaningful dialogue but insists that talks must be grounded in mutual respect and legal fairness.

“This is about more than pay, it’s about dignity, recognition, and fair treatment,” said Kader.

As passengers book their December flights, South Africa’s favourite low-cost carrier may need more than just good punctuality stats to restore its reputation in the eyes of both its workers and the flying public.

{Source: The Citizen}

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