The South African Cabin Crew Association (Sacca) plans to approach the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for a strike certificate following failed wage talks with FlySafair. The airline has locked out cabin crew members amid the dispute, prompting the union to accuse the employer of bad faith negotiations. Both parties are turning to the CCMA for intervention as operations continue normally at major airports.
Wage negotiations between the South African Cabin Crew Association (Sacca) and FlySafair have reached a deadlock, leading the union to seek a certificate to strike from the CCMA. The talks, which began with Sacca demanding a 15% increase for its 62% representation of the airline's 800 workers, shifted to considering a four-year offer of 6% in the first year and 6.9% in the fourth. However, Sacca claims FlySafair introduced unbargained non-financial benefits in the final documents, such as adjustments to lunch hours, overtime, Sunday pay, injury on duty, and maternity leave provisions.
Sacca President Christopher Shabangu accused the employer of negotiating in bad faith. "It is important for us to say to you that it is not us, that we are not on strike. The cabin crew members are not on strike. It is the company that has decided to lock out the workers," Shabangu said, highlighting ongoing deliberations with the Department of Labour on these issues. The union views the lockout, imposed mid-negotiations, as an intimidation tactic.
FlySafair, in response, has withdrawn its compromise offer and applied to the CCMA under section 150 of the Labour Relations Act for mediation to serve public interest. Spokesperson Kirby Gordon stated: "There is still a multi-year offer on the table... The main issue on the table at the moment relates to remuneration. There have been some matters and interpretations of the Labour Act, which the Union and FlySafair have agreed to take to the Department of Labour together for interpretation."
A last-ditch meeting to avert strike action failed, with Sacca finalizing picketing rules on November 6, 2025, and expecting the strike certificate issuance shortly after. The work stoppage is anticipated to affect operations at major airports, though at OR Tambo International, flights proceeded as usual with contingency measures in place, and no cancellations were reported.
Passengers expressed concern, especially with the festive season and G20 Summit approaching. One traveler from Japan noted receiving notifications but saw no issues so far, while another urged caution during the busy period. Both sides remain hopeful for a swift resolution, including Labour Department intervention on non-financial benefits in line with the Labour Relations Act.