uMkhonto Labour Desk demands justice for Transnet workers facing job losses

The uMkhonto Labour Desk (MKLD) has stood side by side with long-serving Transnet employees who have suffered unexpected job losses following a recent overhaul of labour agents, who facilitated their employment with the state-owned entity.

The abrupt culling action has left the livelihoods of over a thousand committed workers hanging in the balance, many of whom have dedicated more than two decades to the company yet remain classified as temporary staff through labour brokers. Transnet is now facing heightened scrutiny over its controversial employment practices.

The affected workers who were hired via brokers have worked alongside their permanent counterparts for years but now find themselves barred from earning fair wages, essential benefits, and a secure workplace.

As a result of the sudden change in labour agencies, it is estimated that 1,000 experienced workers were dismissed without warning, which raised concerns about compliance with South Africa's labour laws. Transnet's contract with the previous labour broker has ended, which now paves the way for a new broker expected to take over from the former employers.

Calvin Gcabashe from the MK Labour Desk said they were opposed to such practices because it was a notable breach of the Labour Relations Act (LRA). According to the LRA, any worker placed by a labour broker for longer than three months should be recognised as an employee of the client, in this case, Transnet.

“The MK Labour Desk finds this practice deeply unjust,” Gcabashe said. “These workers have shown unwavering commitment to their roles, only to be treated as expendable. It is time for Transnet to rectify this wrong.”

In response to the situation, Transnet Port Terminals spokesperson, Mbali Mathenjwa, defended the agency’s use of stevedoring services across its waterside operations, including Durban. She explained that service providers on contract were responsible for hiring personnel to perform the required work for the duration of the contract.

“Matters relating to the employment conditions of stevedoring employees fall strictly under the purview of the respective service providers,” Mathenjwa said, acknowledging that compliance with South Africa’s labour laws and contractual obligations is paramount. Mathenjwa's explanation did not align with Gcabashe's organisation.

The MKLD has issued Transnet with an ultimatum, demanding that the company either absorb the long-serving workers into permanent positions or ensure that the new labour agents reinstate the affected employees with all necessary labour rights and benefits.

“Failure to meet these demands will force the MK Labour Desk to escalate the matter through relevant legal and labour authorities to secure justice for these workers,” warned Gcabashe. The MKLD asserted that the ongoing exploitation of workers, particularly those employed by a state-owned entity, cannot persist unchecked.

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