Untu said that if no revised offer is forthcoming, it will serve Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action.
The United National Transport Union (Untu) is all ears for a revised offer from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), following yet another unsuccessful round of wage negotiations with Transnet.
The union had requested a 10% wage increase, as well as housing and medical subsidies, from the struggling state-owned logistics company. However, Transnet had only offered 6% this year, 6% next year, and 5.5% in 2027.
Untu has been threatening Transnet with a strike that could cost the company billions in rail operations. The union represents more than half of its 46 000-strong workforce.
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Untu gives Transnet several options
The CCMA sent two senior commissioners to intervene in the section 150 (S150) conciliation process between Untu and Transnet.
The Untu spokesperson, Atenkosi Plaatjie, stated that the union presented various wage proposals during this round of negotiations for Transnet’s consideration. It believes these proposals were in line with the economic and financial pressures facing its members, with a high emphasis on job security, while at the same time taking due cognisance of the challenges Transnet faces.
At the moment, the union cannot disclose further details of the proposals due to the confidential nature of the S150 CCMA-facilitated process.
“These proposals however prioritised labour stability, job security and the sustainability of Transnet, we had hoped that Transnet and its mandate-givers would seriously consider these proposals, particularly given the potential economic impact of industrial action and the value of securing a longer – term agreement securing labour peace during this critical time in Transnet’s turnaround into a sustainable self-funded entity,” she added.
Untu waiting for CCMA
Plaatjie said the union participated in the S150 process in good faith, fully committed to securing a fair and sustainable outcome amid the rising cost of living and the ongoing operational and structural challenges facing Transnet.
“The resolution of the deadlock now rests with the CCMA, which has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday, 19 May 2025.
She added that, should no revised offer be forthcoming, the union will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action.
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Strike on Thursday
She said after issuing Transnet with a notice, the strike could commence on Thursday, with overwhelming support from its members.
“Untu has made the necessary logistical preparations to ensure our readiness for industrial action.”
However, should a revised offer be received by close of business Monday, the union said it will initiate a structured process to determine whether our members accept or reject the tabled revised salary and wage offer.
“Untu will announce the way forward to the media in due course.”
CCMA intervention
“The CCMA Section 150 (S150) process is a legal framework within the South African Labour Relations Act (LRA) that allows the CCMA to appoint a commissioner to assist in resolving industrial disputes, potentially in the public interest.
“This intervention can be initiated when the parties to a dispute agree to it and understand that it suspends any right to strike.”
Untu is the only union that has not accepted the proposed offer by Transnet. Whereas, the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) has accepted the offer.
Transnet, which is already struggling, previously said it is unable to legally extend the increase to Untu members. Satawu members were eligible for the increase effective 1 April 2025.
“Until Untu and Transnet conclude a collective agreement on wages and conditions of employment, Untu members will not receive a wage increase or any increase to medical subsidy, the housing allowance, pension fund contributions and other associated benefits.”
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