Fin24 reports that Transnet and trade unions are to meet for talks on Monday, under the guidance of the Commission of Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), the company and unions have confirmed.
Workers from the SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) are expected to join the strike on Monday. Their colleagues, represented by the United National Transport Union (Untu), began their strike on Thursday. In a statement on Sunday the company said: “Transnet continues to engage with organised labour, to find an amicable solution to the ongoing industrial action, which has a profoundly negative impact not only on employees and the company, but on the economy as well. We are hopeful that the meeting will bring parties closer together in reaching an agreement which balances the needs of workers while protecting Transnet’s continued sustainability” A joint statement by trade unions on Saturday confirmed that they would participate in the CCMA process. In the absence of agreed picketing rules – which they blame on the employer – unions said strikers would peacefully gather outside Transnet premises. Transnet employs 40,000 people and employment costs make up 66% of its cost base. It has offered workers a wage increase of 3%, 3.5% or 4% depending on their grades. Employees are demanding a 12% increase. Transnet has also offered a once-off gratuity of R5,000 to be paid at the end of the financial year.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard compiled by Carol Paton at Fin24
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