Transnet says it has applied further security measures to guard non-striking workers and its amenities in preparations for mass industrial motion deliberate by unions over the following few days.
The looming strike motion comes after the state-owned rail, port and pipeline entity failed to come back to a wage settlement with the United National Transport Union (Untu) and the South African Transport Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu), that are demanding a rise of 12% and 13.5%, respectively.
Read: Transnet ups wage supply to keep away from extra operational interruptions
Since beginning wage negotiations with unions, Transnet has revised its supply on 4 events, maneuvering up from an preliminary supply of 1.5% to its newest supply on the desk, which ranges between 3% and 4% relying on grade stage. However, the state-owned entity’s (SOE’s) supply stays a good distance from what union members are asking for.
Earlier this week, Untu introduced its intentions to embark on strike on Thursday (6 October) ought to its assembly with Transnet on Wednesday not go as deliberate, whereas Satawu mentioned it will take to the streets on 10 October ought to Transnet not make a passable supply at its upcoming assembly set for 7 October.
“Transnet’s primary focus remains to avoid mass industrial action, as this will have a profound impact on economic activity across all sectors and urges workers to consider the long-term consequences of the strike on themselves, their colleagues, their families and the South African economy as a whole,” Transnet mentioned.
“Transnet believes that its revised offer is reasonable and fair, and deserves serious consideration given the company’s current operational and financial performance.”
In addition to the wage enhance, Transnet can be providing an ex gratia fee of R5 000 (earlier than tax) to all workers, a fundamental wage 13th cheque, depart provisions and time beyond regulation the place relevant.
Untu stay-away
Transnet’s assertion particularly singled out Untu, saying that the union – which served Transnet with a strike discover on Monday – didn’t comply with “the prescripts as set down in the Labour Relations Act prior to embarking on strike.”
However, in an announcement issued late on Wednesday evening, following a gathering with Transnet, Untu accused Transnet administration of refusing to settle picketing guidelines – which dictate the principles of engagement throughout employee industrial motion – in preparation for Thursday’s strike, forcing the union to stage a stay-away as an alternative.
“The first phase of the strike action will be a stay-away strike action as from 00:01 tonight [6 October],” normal secretary at Untu Cobus van Vuuren mentioned.
“Members will be advised as soon as the picketing rules have been agreed upon and the other strike-related activities that will be embarked upon and the time frames on which these activities will be embarked upon.”
Read:
Transnet applies for CCMA intervention as unions put together to strike
Transnet and unions declare wage impasse, strike looms
Van Vuuren additional trashed Transnet’s assertion that the strike is unlawful, saying that the group’s actions of delaying selecting picketing guidelines is simply one other solution to delay members from exercising their proper to precise their dissatisfaction with the employer, consistent with the LRA.
“Transnet is absolutely desperate, and they are trying to pull every dirty trick in the book that they can pull, including trying to interdict us on the basis that this is an unprotected strike,” Van Vuuren tells Moneyweb.
Untu mentioned it is not going to nevertheless be deterred, assuring its members that industrial motion will happen as quickly as the union is ready to choose picketing guidelines with Transnet, as it’s partaking with the the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to discover a solution to pressure Transnet into talks on this.
Only important service staff – which incorporates these in port security and marine companies – can be excluded from the commercial motion in line with Untu.
