EWN reports that according to the Bombela Operating Company, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has abandoned Gautrain wage negotiations.

Meantime, Numsa has warned of a looming Gautrain strike following a deadlock in wage negotiations with the company. The union claims the company wants to “abolish” housing allowances for its members. The other bone of contention in the talks is the cancelling of cards permitting free train rides for staff. Gautrain spokesperson Kesagee Nayager claimed that Numsa walked out amid engagements. "Wage negotiations between the Bombela Operating Company and Numsa has unfortunately deadlocked and the CCMA has since issued a certificate of non-resolution. The Company and Numsa had agreed upfront to have three wage negotiation sittings, but Numsa abandoned the negotiations after the second sitting," said Nayager. According to Nayager, the union has in principle agreed to a proposed increase for housing allowances, which was contradictory to Numsa’s allegations that the company sought to abolish the housing allowance. He also asserted that the cancellation of cards permitting free train rides affected less than ten employees based at the depot. The company remained open and willing to engage further with Numsa to reach an amicable agreement, said Nayager.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bernadette Wicks at EWN

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