By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Transnet and labour unions resume talks at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) this morning following protracted wage negotiations which culminated in an impasse and industrial action.
The industrial action entered a full week on Wednesday, with the United National Transport Union (UNTU) and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) demanding double-digit increases.
Transnet is hopeful that the unions will formally table their position, to enable the company to assess its feasibility, taking into account affordability and sustainability imperatives for the business, balanced with the needs of employees.
“Transnet remains committed to a speedy resolution to the current impasse, to enable the business to focus its attention on the sustainable turnaround and improvement of operations,” the state-owned company said.
The company has also called on striking workers not to damage or interfere with infrastructure during their protest.
“Transnet acknowledges the right of employees to partake in the strike and reiterates that this must be done in a peaceful manner and within the confines of the picketing areas and rules that have been agreed on with labour unions.
“The organisation appeals to communities and employees to assist in guarding and protecting critical infrastructure and to exercise the highest levels of patriotism in this regard,” it said.
The company warned that any attacks or damage to infrastructure could result in criminal prosecution.
Satawu said in a statement that Transnet tabled a new offer of between 4.25% – 5% across the board, but that the union would reject the “so-called revised offer”.
While intervention by Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi on Monday did not break the deadlock, Satawu called on President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, and Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan to intervene.
Transnet notified terminal port customers that all Transnet harbours, except East London, were hit by mass stay-aways as a strike intensifies, with 28 vessels in limbo outside of Transnet terminals or waiting to be given a dock.
On Tuesday Transnet Port Terminals met with leaders in the deciduous fruit industry to discuss contingency plans aimed at preventing a calamitous impact on the upcoming grape and stone fruit seasons.