Pilots of South African Airways (SAA) are now navigating choppy skies as part of a “work-to-rule” industrial action, a type of protest in which workers carefully stick to official working hours and standards in an effort to reduce productivity and efficiency. After being unhappy with the airline’s last salary offer, this action was started on March 19, 2025.
Background of the Dispute
Negotiations between SAA and its pilots began in May 2024, with pilots initially demanding a 30% salary increase, later reducing their request to 15.7%. In November 2024, SAA implemented a 7.2% average salary increase and raised the medical aid subsidy from R2,275 to R4,000 monthly. Despite these adjustments, pilots rejected the offer, leading to a strike on December 5, 2024.
A temporary truce in December resulted in minor concessions, including a 1% rise in Total Cost of Employment (TCE) from December 1, an extra duty-free day per month, and a R200 daily domestic allowance for flight deck crew. However, these measures failed to prevent the current standoff.
Current Developments
SAA’s latest multi-year proposal includes a 7.66% TCE increase from April 1, with a new longevity pay model, followed by 3% annual increases in 2025 and 2026, and a further 3% plus inflation-linked adjustments in 2027. Additional benefits encompass extra leave days, enhanced travel perks, and a roster-sharing trial for female pilots with children.
Despite these offers, pilots have initiated the “work-to-rule” action, leading to potential disruptions in flight schedules. SAA Group CEO John Lamola has assured that contingency measures are in place to mitigate the impact, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to resolving outstanding issues collaboratively while maintaining operational reliability and safety standards.
Impact on Operations
As of March 19, 2025, SAA reported minimal disruptions, with all morning flights departing as scheduled. The airline remains dedicated to minimizing inconvenience to passengers and is providing real-time updates on flight statuses.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing industrial action underscores the challenges SAA faces in balancing financial constraints with employee satisfaction. The airline continues to grapple with high fuel costs, a weak rand, and intense competition in the aviation sector. Both SAA and pilot associations have expressed a willingness to continue negotiations to reach an amicable resolution.
Passengers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses and remain patient as the airline works towards resolving the dispute. The outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal in shaping the future labor relations and operational stability of South African Airways.