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BL Premium reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) is threatening strike action at Gautrain, which is operated by the Bombela Operating Company, over its demand for a one-year above-inflation pay increase.
Numsa’s Irvin Jim advised that the union had reached a wage dispute with Gautrain management and would be balloting its members about possible strike action. Numsa is demanding an 8% wage increase, which is above headline inflation, which slowed to 6.8% in April from 7.1% in March and 7% in February. It is also demanding a R1,750 housing allowance and a transport allowance of R2,100 per month for all night-shift workers “whether they worked or not”. The union also wants a R38-per-hour night-shift allowance, a 55% employer contribution to medical aid, a R15,000 performance (KPI) bonus and a moratorium on retrenchments during the period of the agreement. Numsa has furthermore demanded retention of the status quo on “train rides for all employees coming to work and going back home”. According to Jim, the company wants to “abolish staff cards, which allow workers to ride the Gautrain for free when they are travelling to and from work”. The union has been issued with a strike notice and on June 28 “we will be balloting our members in preparation for the strike”. Jim added: “We have requested a meeting with management on June 28 and we hope to avert strike action.” Gautrain spokesperson Kesagee Nayager advised: “The company remains open and willing to engage further with Numsa to reach an amicable agreement.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
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