Tens of thousands of Gautrain passengers may find themselves facing transportation challenges amidst a wage negotiation deadlock that has raised the spectre of a potential strike, warned the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa).
Gautrain strike looms after a deadlock in wage talks
In an effort to avoid industrial action, Numsa has requested a meeting with management on Wednesday, 28 June 2023, emphasising their preference for negotiations over a strike, per Fin24.
General Secretary Irvin Jim urged management to return to the negotiating table, stating that failure to do so would regrettably make a strike inevitable.
The dispute was triggered by the Bombela Concession Company’s decision to require workers to pay the full fare for using the train.
Numsa’s demands include an across-the-board increase of 8%, a KPI bonus of R15 000, job security for the agreement period, and the retention of staff cards, which enable free train usage.
Jim strongly criticised the decision to abolish staff cards, stressing that a train is an essential tool of work for their members, without whom the Gautrain would be unable to operate.
Furthermore, the union expressed concern over the proposed removal of the housing allowance, arguing that it is crucial for workers to afford their own homes.
While Gautrain proposed incorporating the allowance into wages, Numsa rejected this proposition.
In response to Numsa’s claims, Gautrain spokesperson Kesagee Nayager stated that the company and the union had not yet reached an agreement and that the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) had issued a certificate of non-resolution.
Nayager clarified that the company and the union had agreed to three wage negotiation sittings, but the union prematurely abandoned the process after the second sitting.
A third sitting has been scheduled for 23 June, as the company remains committed to engaging with Numsa in good faith to find a mutually acceptable resolution.
Nayager outlined the conditional offers that have been put forward, including an 8% basic salary increase, a night shift allowance, a night work transport subsidy, a housing allowance, and a KPI bonus.
Nayager also emphasised that the demand for free travel pertained to a small number of depot-based employees, having no impact on operational employees fulfilling their duties at stations and on trains.
With clouds of uncertainty shrouding the Gautrain strike, commuters are advised to stay tuned for further updates as the discussions progress.