South African Airways pilots’ ‘work-to-rule’ industrial action has ended with immediate effect after employees reached a salary agreement with the national carrier.
SAA Group CEO John Lamola announced on Tuesday that the pilots had accepted the salary and benefits package extended by the employer, effectively concluding the work-to-rule industrial action immediately.
This comes after the South African Airways Pilots Association (Saapa) and the National Transport Movement (NTM) Pilot Forum embarked on the industrial action last week after a protracted dispute over wages and working conditions.
Work-to-rule involves employees performing duties as specified in their contracts and safety regulations without taking on any additional responsibilities or overtime. It is designed to reduce efficiency and work output to put pressure on employers.
SAA had initially offered pilots a three-year salary increase agreement, introducing a longevity salary progression scale for pilots. The package amounted to a 7.3% increase in 2025 and 7.6% in 2026 and 2027.
However, pilots initially demanded a 30% salary increase, which they later dropped to 15.7%.
Lamola said the decision of employees to accept the latest offer marked a pivotal moment as it concluded the 2024 wage negotiations with pilots, however he did not divulge the details of the offer.
“We are pleased to see the pilots recommit to their roles and return to the flight deck, underscoring their dedication to the airline's success over the years to come,” Lamola said.
“Their resolution aligns with the airline's best interest, its entire workforce and, most importantly, the thousands of customers who depend on SAA to connect them to destinations across South Africa, the continent, and the globe.”
He said it would now be business as usual at the national carrier.
"We remain steadfast in our dedication to operating as a financially responsible and self-sustaining airline that is sensitive to the welfare of all its employees.
“The recommitment demonstrated by SAA pilots ensures that the airline can maintain its momentum, not through reliance on public funding, but by building a robust and commercially viable foundation delivered with excellence.
“SAA is on the cusp of a great future and is poised to solidify its role as a national asset, fostering confidence in its brand and contributing to South Africa’s economic growth through improved connectivity, trade, and tourism,” said Lamola.
