ICYMI: Gautrain employees claim victory over wages
MIDRAND – Employees will get a R5 000 incentive bonus in December this year.
Gautrain commuters who had been left stranded will finally have the service back in action after an end to a two-week strike by the railway employees.
This after United National Transport Union (Untu) claimed victory in their wage dispute talks with Bombela Operating Company. The strike began on 30 July resulting in the suspension of Gautrain services.
After a meeting held at Midrand Gautrain depot on 13 August, the general secretary of the union Steve Harris said the majority of employees working for the Bombela Operating Company would finally receive a share in profits of the company. A R5 000 incentive bonus would be paid out to each employee in December this year.
Furthermore, members of the union will receive an 8 per cent basic salary increase this year which means the basic salary at the lowest level of employment will be increased to a minimum of R8 500.
The wage deal saw fruition after the secretary for the Federation of Unions of South Africa, Dennis Gorge intervened and secured a wage agreement overseen by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
“It was a very difficult and robust negotiation process but Untu is satisfied that this agreement is in the best interest of each member to adhere to their demands and bring an end to the first-ever two-week Gautrain strike,” said Harris.
Employees’ housing allowances will also be increased to R900 per month and other allowances will see an increase of 8 per cent. “A second incentive payment of a maximum of R5 000 to be determined on the performance of the Gautrain, will be paid out in September next year.
“The incentive bonus was one of the major issues throughout the wage negotiations whereas management to date refused to disclose its financial statements in accordance with the Labour Relations Act.”
When Midrand Reporter visited the Midrand Gautrain station on 13 August, the gates were locked and commuters were being turned away after the train service which had been running earlier in the morning had been suspended. “Trains were working from 5.30am until 9.40am. They will work again at 3.30pm until 7pm,” said a security guard.
