The United National Transport Union (Untu) will consult with members after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) tabled a facilitator’s proposal aimed at averting a strike at Transnet.
The proposal by the CCMA senior commissioners on Tuesday represents a final effort to avoid a stoppage by more than 25,000 Untu members at the port and rail operator, national spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie said.
Untu members at Transnet voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike after intervention by the CCMA failed to break an impasse over wages.
The vote to strike came after the union rejected a three-year wage agreement accepted by the rival SA Transport and Allied Workers Union of a 6% increase in the first two years and 5.5% in the final year.
Untu is demanding a one-year 10% wage increase for 2025/26, a R2,500 housing allowance, R2,500 medical aid allowance and the removal of a cap on overtime. National inflation is hovering below 3%.
“Untu’s executive council has met to determine the next steps, and a formal mandating process in terms of the facilitator’s proposal for settlement is now under way. Members will decide whether to accept or reject the proposal,” Plaatjie said.
“Should it be rejected, Untu reserves the right to initiate protected industrial action in line with the Labour Relations Act. Importantly, the proposal must also be considered by Transnet, and all parties are expected to respond to the CCMA by June 10 2025.”
Transnet said: “As part of the section 150 process, the commissioners facilitating the process are entitled to, inter alia, make what is commonly known as a ‘facilitator’s proposal’ to parties involved in, or affected by the dispute. To that effect, the commissioners have shared the proposal with all parties, and parties are expected to respond by June 10 2025.
“Transnet remains committed to finding a resolution and will give serious consideration to the proposal from the commissioners, and trusts that all parties to the process will do the same.”
The state-owned ports and rail operator reported a loss of R2.2bn for the six months to end-September, while interest on its R100bn debt consumes R1bn a month.
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.