Durban — Transnet and labour unions met at the Transnet Bargaining Council (TBC) on Monday in an effort to resolve the current wage negotiation impasse. Workers have downed tools across the country since Thursday.
The workers and management have been engaged in negotiations since May, which have culminated in trade unions taking to the streets in protest.
On Monday, workers protested outside Transnet offices against a proposed 3% wage increase at Edwin Swales harbour on Solomon Mahlangu drive in Durban.
Labour unions at Transnet have tabled requests for increases between 12% and 13.5% while Transnet has offered the workers a 3% increase to guaranteed pay, with effect from April 1 and the backpay for the April to September period will be made in three equal amounts beginning in January, February and March next year.
Also on offer from the end of this month, the new salary reflecting the 3% increase will be paid and a once-off ex gratia payment to each employee, which amounts to R7 600 before tax, would be paid at the end of the financial year.
“Salary costs make up 66% of total operating costs, which is not sustainable.
“Our broad objective remains to drive investment and growth which ultimately is the only way to sustainably reduce household financial insecurity as it would increase opportunities for more South Africans to find work in a vibrant and growing economy, a Transnet statement read. In the statement, Transnet said that the mediated meeting was held under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
“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,” Transnet said.
Meanwhile, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has thrown its support behind the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) stating it has done so in demand of better wages, improved and better working conditions.
The national strike by Satawu comes after the union had secured a certificate of non-resolution of the dispute at the TBC paving way for a protected strike at the parastatal.
The union believes that the demand for a 12% salary increment is a justifiable and reasonable demand considering the socio-economic realities that are threatening the lives of millions of workers and the poor.
The offer by Transnet management is below the inflation rate which has accelerated to 7.8%.
Daily News