Transnet secures three-year wage agreement with union, promoting stability and growth for workers
After lengthy talks Transnet settled wage negotiations with the United National Transport Union last week. The settlement is for three years and will see workers paid 6% increases annually, including on housing and medical allowances.
Transnet has confirmed that it has concluded a wage agreement with the United National Transport Union (Untu) that will be valid for the next three years.
Under this agreement workers will receive an annual increase of 6% for the next three years.
Untu secretary-general Cobus van Vuuren said the salary increase agreement reflected the power of collective bargaining in improving the conditions of the working class.
'The three-year agreement also ensures much-needed labour stability during a critical period as Transnet works to rebuild its operations,
restore service reliability, and regain stakeholder confidence.
As the majority union representing the voices of more than 26,000 employees at Transnet, Untu confirms that this newly signed agreement supersedes the previous agreement signed between Transnet and the minority union Satawu,' he said.
Earlier in the negotiations the two unions were unable to present Transnet with a joint salary demand.
Van Vuuren said the new salary increase agreement between Untu and Transnet placed a strong emphasis on job security by including a firm non-mandatory retrenchment clause, which was one of the key demands tabled by Untu throughout the negotiations process.
The agreement provides for a 6% annual increase and a 6% increase for housing allowances and medical subsidies.
'Untu acknowledges the role of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration as the highest dispute resolution body, which intervened to avert industrial action that would have derailed Transnet's recovery and turnaround plan and collapsed an already fragile South African economy,' Van Vuuren said.
Transnet said the finalisation of the three-year wage agreement provided labour stability. This, Transnet said, 'will enable the company to focus on its immediate strategic priorities of improving operational and financial performance, while positioning the organisation for future growth, thereby ensuring job security and economic growth'. DM
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