By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Transnet has tabled a revised three-year wage increase of up to 5.3%, to its recognised workers unions as the industrial action enters its second week today (Thursday).
This follows two days of wage talks facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The new wage offer includes:
- A 4.5% increase in the current year across the board which will be implemented from 1 October 2022.
- This will be followed by 5.3% increases in 2023/24 and 2024/25.
- A 4.5% increase in the medical aid allowance in 2022/23 which will be adjusted in line with the across the board increase in the subsequent two years.
- The back-pay will be paid in two tranches – three months’ back-pay on 15 November 2022, and three months’ back-pay on 16 January 2023.
Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said the negotiations had been a delicate balancing act for the company.
Shezi said Transnet has been mindful of the affordability and sustainability of the wage increases for the business, and of the financial pressure employees faced.
“Whilst the parties have not settled on this offer, engagements are ongoing. We would like to thank all stakeholders for their continued understanding and support during this process,” Shezi said.
The strike by thousands of Transnet employees has had a crippling effect on economic activity as perishable and non-perishable goods remain stuck at the ports and cannot be exported timeously.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi and Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, released a joint statement on Wednesday, expressing the government’s view on the strike.
The ministers said the government was concerned about its negative impact on the economy, particularly the sectors that were dependent on Transnet for their logistical services.
“We need to remind all that if we are able to, as soon as possible, resume exports of agricultural products, mineral resources and other manufactured products, we will be contributing to sustaining hundreds of thousands of jobs across the economy.”
The Ministers said they have been engaging with all affected parties in order to “appreciate the extent of the impact of the strike on industry… and the gap that exists” in the wage negotiations.
“We appreciate the constructive engagement we have had with the unions. Equally, we acknowledge the offers of industry to assist where they can. Government commends the work of the Department of Labour and the CCMA in assisting the two parties to finalise picketing rules.
“Government understands that our labour relations regime allows for labour to exercise their right to strike and picket within the limits of the law. However, government reiterates its view that the right of workers to picket and strike must not be marred by violence and destruction of property, “the Ministers said.