National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has called on Gautrain operator Bombela Operating Company (BOC) to table a meaningful wage offer to avoid an “imminent crippling strike” that could result in a “total shutdown of services”.
BOC is a private company contracted by Bombela Concession Company (BCC) to operate and maintain the Gautrain systems.
Wage talks between BOC and SA’s biggest union deadlocked on June 9 and attempts by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to break the impasse failed on Wednesday, resulting in the CCMA issuing the union with a strike certificate.
A strike could be detrimental to the Gautrain as it plays a pivotal role in the economy of Gauteng, which contributes nearly 40% to GDP. It connects Johannesburg to Pretoria, and both cities to OR Tambo International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest and largest airports.
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has said the provincial government will invest R120bn in the expansion of Gautrain to the following areas: Soweto via Fourways, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria and Springs. The expansion project is expected to create 125,000 jobs.
The strike certificate was issued after Numsa demanded a 7% wage increase across the board, while BOC would not move from its 4.2% wage offer. SA’s inflation rate edged up from March’s 2.7% to 2.8% in April.
Numsa’s other demands include a housing allowance of R1,600 (it is currently R1,300), transport allowance of R150 (R125), night shift allowance of R50 per hour (R38 per hour), and performance bonus of R15,000 (R9,600).
The strike threat also comes after Numsa embarked on a 17-day industrial action at Gautrain last year, which culminated in the parties settling on a one-year 6.8% wage deal in July 2024, which expired on Monday.
The union had initially demanded a 13% wage increase last year, which was later revised down to 9%, before the parties settled at 6.8%.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said workers were behind the Gautrain’s success and needed to be compensated accordingly.
“At least 7.9-million people use the Gautrain and, according to the Gautrain Management Agency, Gautrain boasts an average availability rate which is over 95% and punctuality is above 95%,” she said.
“This rate of performance is as a result of workers, specifically Numsa members who ensure that the train runs optimally and efficiently every day. It is as a result of our members’ direct efforts of working hard to meet the company’s set goals and targets that the company obtained the coveted title of ‘Best Rail operator of the Year in Africa’ for the year 2025.
“It is workers who put in the effort to make sure that commuters are able to reach their destinations safely and on time. This cannot be achieved by executives in air-conditioned offices.”
Hlubi-Majola said the workers’ demands for above-inflation wage increase were fair as they contributed to Gautrain’s positive performance.
“Furthermore, the cost of living crisis has resulted in all basic needs like food and electricity increasing. This week electricity went up by 12.5%, and the fuel tariffs have just been adjusted up. This has a negative impact on the price of goods because it means that goods and consumables are more expensive. Our members have no choice but to demand increases that are going to mitigate them against these hikes that affect them daily,” she said.
“Ideally we would like to avoid a strike because workers also suffer due to the no work no pay policy, however, due to the arrogance and stubbornness of the BOC management, Numsa has no choice but to call on its members to ballot in terms of the Labour Relations Act and the possibility of a crippling strike is imminent for Gautrain.”
Numsa, with more than 450,000 members, said the ball was in BOC’s court: “They need to make a meaningful offer to prevent a total shutdown of services. Numsa further calls on the Gautrain Management Authority and the Gauteng provincial government to intervene and apply pressure on the BOC management to come to the party and put a meaningful offer on the table for our members to consider.”
BOC has been contacted for comment, which will be added once received.
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