Untu makes one last attempt to reach a wage deal with Transnet before major strike

The United National Transport Union (Untu), representing the majority of Transnet workers, has embarked on a two-day wage negotiation with the state-owned logistics company after threatening a strike that could cause significant disruptions in the sector.

The Union representing more than half of the more than 46 000 employees at Transnet is demanding a 10% wage increase and housing and medical subsidies, while Transnet has put on the table a final offer of 6% this year, 6% next year, and 5.5% in 2027.

The union representing other workers, the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) has accepted the offer put on the table by Transnet.

Should Untu members down tools, the strike could significantly harm the sector, costing already-struggling Transnet billions in its rail operations.  

ALSO READ: Massive Transnet strike could bring logistics sector to its knees

Untu and Transnet don’t see eye to eye 

Untu spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie said, ‘In the spirit of good faith negotiation,’ they remain committed to the section 150 process facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which is scheduled to continue on Wednesday and Thursday.

This follows an unsuccessful consultation process facilitated by the CCMA on 14 April 2025. Because Untu and Transnet did not agree, the CCMA had to issue Untu a certificate of non-resolution.

“Untu remains confident that the wage proposals we have presented to Management take the best interest of our members at heart, and the proposals reflect the economic reality faced by the working class with a strong emphasis on job security amid the private sector partnership reforms at Transnet,” she added.

Untu threatens to strike

Plaatjie said that should the two-day talks fail, the Union will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action.

The Union initiated a balloting process on 15 April 2025, following the failure of the salary and wage conciliation process. This process conveyed the message that members were willing to go on strike.

“The majority of ballots cast by our members are in favour of taking to the streets to demand a wage increment that reflects the deepening economic crisis facing Transnet employees and job security, in the form of a non-retrenchment clause, which is the heart of the impasse.”

ALSO READ: Transnet and trade unions square up over wage demands

Balloting process was with integrity

She added that the balloting process conducted by the Union was held with integrity and was fair and fiercely democratic.

“The majority has spoken, and Untu has been working around the clock to ensure we are strike-ready. We have drawn strength and lessons from our 2022 industrial action, ensuring that we are more prepared this time around.

“We can only hope that Transnet mandators will give the wage proposals on the table serious consideration.”

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