Durban - The Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) said it supports the strike by its affiliate United National Transport Union (UNTU) at Transnet.
Fedusa said that UNTU embarked on a protected strike or protected industrial action as from Thursday, October 6 across all provinces.
“This comes after Transnet delayed the salary negotiation process for months, and even more months of negotiations.”
The union said both UNTU and the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) have rejected Transnet’s revised wage offer yet again, saying it is below the inflation rate.
It said UNTU had said it remains open to the negotiation and facilitation process and eagerly awaits a salary increase offer that is aligned with the increased cost of living and economic challenges that its members are faced with every day.
Fedusa added that the union notes the willingness of Transnet to continue to negotiate and improve conditions in its workplaces.
“However, Transnet management needs to table offers that can be taken into consideration and that can also afford its workers to have some financial freedom.”
Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said that Transnet SOC Ltd (“Transnet”) and its recognised unions UNTU and Satawu would reconvene this morning for conciliation talks facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
“This follows the first day of conciliation on Monday, which ended with the parties agreeing and signing the picketing rules and picketing sites for the current industrial action. Transnet is hopeful that the unions will formally table their position, to enable the company to assess its feasibility, taking into account affordability and sustainability imperatives for the business, balanced with the needs of employees.”
Shezi added that Transnet wants to come to a resolution.
“Transnet remains committed to a speedy resolution to the current impasse, to enable the business to focus its attention on the sustainable turnaround and improvement of operations.”