Strike action threats as Transnet revises wage offer

DESPITE efforts by Transnet to avert strike action which could impact port and rail operations, unions representing thousands of workers have threatened to down tools.

While workers affiliated with the United National Transport Union (UNTU) are set to go on strike on Thursday, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) said it would embark on industrial action as of Monday next week.

ALSO READ: Empangeni police seek next of kin

UNTU has not only criticised Transnet for delaying the salary negotiation process, but also for not making ‘a reasonable offer’.

“Transnet opened their salary negotiation proposals at 1% across the board (ATB) for all employees, none of the other proposals from labour was considered.

“These proposals included, among others, increased housing allowance, shift allowance, medical aid allowance and no retrenchments,” said UNTU general secretary Cobus van Vuuren.

Transnet revised its offer to 1.5%, which was rejected by UNTU, calling it an insult to its members ‘who have put everything on the line to help get this company back on track’.

“Our members, and the Transnet employees at large, are expected to bear the brunt of years of historic mismanagement and corruption that occurred during State capture.

“Embarking on protected industrial action is always a last resort, however, it is a right that UNTU members have decided to exercise. This is because the salary offer that Transnet has provided is completely misaligned with our members’ needs and the rising cost of living,” said the general secretary.
SATAWU said Transnet has failed to meet the demands of employees and will mobilise workers to join industrial action next week.

The State-owned entity, which has written to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to draw unions back to the negotiation table, remains optimistic of a positive way forward. Transnet indicated that the wage offer is ‘fair and reasonable given the current financial and operational challenges’.

“As a result of the company’s cash position, the amount due from 1 April to 30 September will be paid to employees over three months, at the end of January, February, and March 2023.

“At the end of October, Transnet will pay the new salary with the 1.5% increase,” said Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi.

Shezi said the latest offer, which is a R950-million increase on the current salary bill, is part of an effort to save jobs.

“Transnet has consistently made the point that its wage bill currently makes up over 66% of monthly operating costs,” she said.

“This is not sustainable, particularly given the current operational and financial performance. Transnet has urged unions and workers to accept its offer as the best possible deal that can be made right now.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer