The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) said it remained open to negotiations with Gautrain operator Bombela Operating Company (BOC) over its demands for above-inflation wage increases, stressing it preferred to resolve the wage impasse amicably than taking to the streets.
This after last week’s statements in which the union called on the BOC to table a meaningful wage offer to avoid an “imminent crippling strike” that could result in a “total shutdown of services”.
The BOC is a private company contracted by Bombela Concession Company (BCC) to operate and maintain the Gautrain systems.
Wage talks between the 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 last week, resulting in the CCMA issuing the union with a strike certificate.
Numsa is demanding a 7% wage increase across the board, while the BOC would not move from its 4.2% wage offer. SA’s inflation rate meanwhile 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 now 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).
On Monday, Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said: “We remain open as Numsa to negotiations. We’d prefer to resolve this through negotiation than through a strike. A strike would mean the no work no pay policy applies. We want to reiterate to the management of BOC that they must demonstrate compassion towards workers.”
Hlubi-Majola said the BOC’s argument is “the 4.2% increase is justifiable because the CPI is so low”.
“However, we need them to understand that everything else in the lives of workers in SA is not increased by CPI. Medical aid has not increased by CPI, electricity tariffs, Eskom tariffs went up last week, have not increased by CPI. The petrol price, everything. The cost of living is very high.
“We believe we can find one another, but it does require flexibility and the ball is in their court.”
A strike could be detrimental as the Gautrain plays a pivotal role in the economy of Gauteng, which contributes nearly 40% to GDP. It connects Joburg to Pretoria, and both cities to OR Tambo International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest and largest airports.
Last week, Hlubi-Majola told Business Day: “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, 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 a week ago.
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%.
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 BOC has been contacted for comment, which will be added once received.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.