Transnet mentioned the three-year wage deal it signed with the SA Transport and Allied Staff Union (Satawu) would not be prolonged to the United Nationwide Transport Union (Untu).
Untu gave cash-strapped ports and rail operator a 48-hour discover to “cease the unilateral implementation” of the wage deal that may see Satawu members obtain above-inflation will increase of 6% within the first and second years and 5.5% within the ultimate 12 months of the settlement.
The union’s 48-hour deadline expired at 6am on Thursday.
Untu didn’t signal the wage settlement reached final week that got here into impact on April 1. The union has revised its 12% wage improve demand to 10%. It desires a one-year deal, a R2,500 housing allowance, R2,500 medical assist allowance and for a cap on time beyond regulation to be eliminated, amongst different calls for.
Untu mentioned if the wage deal was prolonged to its members it will train “the best to embark on a protected industrial motion at any of their work stations and/or throughout Transnet at any time after the 48 hours expires”.
“Industrial motion doesn’t imply going to the streets, industrial motion might take any kind or form permissible when it comes to the related labour legal guidelines.”
Responding to questions from Enterprise Day on Thursday, Transnet mentioned it “is not going to implement the proposed wage will increase and different advantages to Untu members. Transnet will, nonetheless, implement the ultimate supply in respect of Satawu members, in addition to all different staff”.
“Untu represents solely its members within the bargaining course of. This has been communicated to Untu and as such, any type of industrial motion on this regard, could be unprotected.”
Transnet reported a R2.2bn loss for the six months to end-September. Curiosity on its R100bn debt consumes R1bn a month and analysts have mentioned the corporate would require monetary help from the state to fulfil its position as a vital participant within the economic system and retain entry to capital markets.
Transnet mentioned it continued to interact with Untu to make sure labour peace for the sustainability of Transnet, its staff, and the nation.
“Within the occasion of commercial motion, Transnet has the capability to take essential steps to minimise disruption to our operations and to proceed serving our clients, in step with our enterprise continuity plans. We stay open to dialogue with Untu so the present deadlock may be resolved,” it mentioned.
In a press release on Thursday, Untu mentioned it had formally declared a dispute on the Fee for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration over its 10% wage demand.
“The dispute was formally declared on Wednesday, by Untu normal secretary, Cobus van Vuuren. As you’re conscious, Untu outright rejected Transnet’s ultimate tabled supply. Consequently, the wage negotiations have reached an deadlock.”
mkentanel@businesslive.co.za
