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IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Transnet averts potential strike after reaching three-year wage agreement with workers unions
Transnet and its majority union United National Transport Union (UNTU) sign a wage agreement after a lengthy process with the intervention of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers Transnet has signed a three-year wage agreement with its majorityunion, the United National Transport Union (UNTU), following a protracted negotiation process that required intervention from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). In a statement on Thursday, Transnet said that the wage agreement would see an increment of 6% for the 2025/2026, 2026/2027, and 2027/2028 financial years. Transnet stated that this above-inflation agreement corresponds to an overall wage increase of 18% across the three years, encompassing increases to basic salaries and additional components, such as the 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, medical aid subsidies, and housing allowances. 'The finalisation of the three-year wage agreement provides labour stability and 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,' Transnet said. UNTU general secretary, Cobus van Vuuren, hailed the signing as a pivotal moment following a challenging negotiation period. 'The agreement was signed between the parties on Thursday evening, 12 June 2025, following engagements between UNTU and Transnet this week,' he said. 'UNTU is confident that this agreement is fully aligned with the overwhelming mandate received from our constituencies, which have mandated us to sign the CCMA's facilitator's proposal following the S150 process by two senior Commissioners.' UNTU represents more than 26 000 workers at Transnet and had threatened to issue the State-owned freight and logistics firm with a 48-hour notice for a strike if negotiations deadlocked. Van Vuuren emphasised that this agreement not only represented a notable salary increment but also reinforced job security—one of UNTU's primary demands throughout the negotiation process. 'As UNTU committed, we also secured the back payment for the increased retrospective from 01 April 2025, as our members have made great financial sacrifices during this period, as UNTU continued the fight for a better salary increase and, most importantly, job security. UNTU is the majority union in Transnet; therefore, this agreement will be applicable to all bargaining unit employees,' he said. '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.' Transnet also signed the same wage agreement with its other recognised labour union, the South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu). Satawu general secretary, Jack Mazibuko, said the union had proposed an alternative wording for the retrenchment clause committing Transnet to no mandatory retrenchments during the currency of the wage agreement. 'Äccordingly, the new retrenchment clause as contained in the employer's final wage offer reads as follows: 1. Transnet commits that there will be no mandatory retrenchments during the currency of the wage agreement. 2. However, should it be necessary to restructure any areas of its business due to operations. economic and/or organisation restructuring reasons, the following process shall be followed: a) The employer will comply with the provisions of its existing recognition agreement and prevailing legislation b) The employer will establish a multi-disciplinary committee, inclusing labour, to assess the people impact of all restructuting initiatives across the business with the objective to preserve job security for all employees. c) The committee will explore opportunities for retirement, redeployment, reskilling and restructing will be explored as alternatives to ensure that there will be no mandatory retrenchments.' BUSINESS REPORT Transnet and its majority union United National Transport Union (UNTU) sign a wage agreement after a lengthy process with the intervention of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Internship Kerala 1.0 to connect 1 lakh FYUGP students with internship opportunities
Keltron has been roped in by the Higher Education department to develop a State-level internship portal, 'Internship Kerala 1.0', for students enrolled in four-year undergraduate programmes (FYUGP). The initiative will mark the first time an elaborate portal, envisaged to cater to 1 lakh students, is being launched to facilitate internships in Kerala. The decision to enlist public sector undertaking (PSU) is based on a proposal by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), which is tasked with identifying and empanelling agencies to establish Centres for Skill Development Courses and Career Planning (CSDCCP), envisaged to operate as skill development centres in all higher education institutions. Keltron, among other agencies, had already been enlisted to impart skill courses through the centres. Building on this collaboration, the State-owned company recently submitted a proposal to extend the utility of its developed portal to all FYUGP students. The portal is being designed for internships mandated in the curriculum during the fourth semester. It will serve as a crucial link between three key stakeholders: students, higher education institutions and industries. Multiple options Once inaugurated, 'Internship Kerala 1.0' will be accessible to all higher education institutions and students. Registered students will have the flexibility to choose from a multitude of internship options, aligning with their knowledge domains and preferences. The platform is expected to offer a diverse range of opportunities, categorised into free internships, internships with a stipend and paid internships. Keltron has been instructed that priority be given to internship opportunities within PSUs. KSHEC member secretary Rajan Varughese said the initiative is intended to exploit the untapped potential of PSUs in providing hands-on training to students and enhancing their employability. The involvement of public institutions is also aimed at bringing down internship expenses for students. He added that the universities have already forged partnerships with various public-sector skill enhancement agencies to operationalise the CSDCCPs. KSHEC has empanelled ASAP Kerala, Keltron, Institute of Human Resources Development, ICT Academy of Kerala, Centre for Continuing Education Kerala, Kerala State Centre for Advanced Printing and Training, and LBS Centre for the purpose. (EOM)
The Journal
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Land at Leopardstown Racecourse to be developed for 800 homes after transfer to LDA
AN AGREEMENT HAS been reached to transfer the ownership of land at Leopardstown Racecourse from Horse Racing Ireland to the Land Development Agency, which both bodies said could be the site of 800 new homes. The Land Development Agency (LDA) will take control of roughly 17 acres from Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), while design and planning for the new housing development will begin immediately, the two state bodies said in a joint statement today. 'Subject to planning, the LDA land will be used to deliver new, A-rated homes, which will be located next to the existing, but currently unused Leopardstown Luas stop,' the statement said. Leopardstown Racecourse has a Luas stop on the Green Line but it has been inactive since it opened in 2010 due to a lack of infrastructure. The LDA and HRI said they would work collaboratively and in consultation with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on a new 'masterplan' for Leopardstown, which they said will deliver 'much-needed affordable housing and protect and further develop the leading racecourse and its extensive racing and non-racing facilities'. Advertisement The land was first identified as having the potential for housing in the Housing for All plan, which was first published in 2021. Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said he was 'delighted' by the agreement. 'Solving the housing challenge requires collaboration across our society, from government to a range of private and public bodies,' Martin said, adding that he was looking forward to seeing similar developments in the future. Housing Minister James Browne said the LDA 'has the resources it needs to deliver housing at scale and has proven that it can do so quickly to a very high standard'. 'The LDA already has a strong pipeline of development land, but it's crucial that it is able to access more, especially State-owned land like this with the potential to deliver a high number of homes in a well located and well-serviced area.' Browne also encouraged other bodies to follow HRI's lead by reviewing their land holdings and discussing possible transfers with the LDA 'as a matter of urgency.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
05-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
HRI and LDA to develop Leopardstown campus, 800 new homes
The Land Development Agency (LDA) and Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) have reached an agreement on the transfer of land with the potential to deliver 800 homes at Leopardstown Racecourse in south Dublin Both parties have reached an agreement that will see HRI transfer ownership of c.17 acres of land to the LDA. The new development will be served by the activation of a new Luas station located on the site. The two state bodies will work collaboratively and in consultation with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on a new masterplan for Leopardstown, which will deliver much-needed affordable housing and protect and further develop the leading racecourse and its extensive racing and non-racing facilities. The land transfer follows positive engagement between the LDA and HRI to ensure the best outcome for both parties. Design and planning work on the site-wide masterplan and proposed housing development will commence immediately. Subject to planning, the LDA land will be used to deliver new, A-rated homes, which will be located next to the existing, but currently unused Leopardstown Luas stop. The area surrounding Leopardstown Racecourse is well located next to the M50 and the Green Luas line. It also benefits from a range of services and amenities. Land at HRI's campus in Leopardstown was first identified as having the potential for housing in the Government's Housing for All plan. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD commended the LDA and HRI for reaching the agreement. "The LDA has the resources it needs to deliver housing at scale and has proven that it can do so quickly to a very high standard. The LDA already has a strong pipeline of development land, but it's crucial that it is able to access more, especially State-owned land like this with the potential to deliver a high number of homes in a well located and well-serviced area," said Minister Brown. "This decision by HRI will have a lasting impact and it can be proud of the significant contribution it has made to help address the country's urgent housing need." The site that can accomodate 800 new homes pending planning approve is described by LDI CEO John Coleman as a development in an area of great housing need in Dublin. "This transfer of State-owned land to the LDA is a leading example of what can be achieved when state bodies are open to making the best use of land they own and work with the LDA to facilitate the delivery of much-need affordable homes while safeguarding their own existing and future needs," said Mr Coleman "The LDA is now under construction on 16 sites for over 5,000 homes across the country and we will be adding further new construction starts in the coming months," he said. Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland said: "For an industry that contributes in excess of €2.46bn to the Irish economy annually, the agreement safeguards our plans to further develop the Leopardstown Racecourse campus and to improve what is already a proven world-class horse racing facility, while fostering a sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood benefiting the greater Dublin area.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Water: Student group wants UMS to take legal action
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: 'I believe the VC is playing his role as the head of the university, and it's important that his stance remains consistent. This is the first time he has made such a statement, and we welcome it,' Fadhil said. Kota Kinabalu: Suara Mahasiswa UMS has urged Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to take legal action against the State Water Department (JANS), demanding at least RM100 million in damages over the prolonged campus water crisis. In a statement, the student group accused JANS of misleading the public in its May 29 statement, which downplayed the severity of the water supply issue from the State-owned R13 tank — the main water source for UMS. The group cited internal documentation and reports from UMS's student council and maintenance unit showing that water levels in the R13 tank had dropped to zero on several days, halting supply to the campus. They also claimed this data had been officially shared with JANS and supported with photographic evidence. The group said the financial burden of the water crisis had been unfairly shifted onto students, many of whom faced repeated disruptions and had to bear additional costs, including tuition fees, off-campus rent, transportation, utility bills and other living expenses. 'UMS must sue JANS and the damages should be returned to the students — this is not just about water anymore. It's about accountability and justice,' the statement said. Earlier, Daily Express reported that UMS Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansur said the university had long been transparent about the water issue, and clarified that the R13 tank, owned and operated by JANS, had repeatedly failed to supply enough water to meet UMS's daily needs. Kasim said if water levels had been sufficient, students would not have resorted to holding demonstrations. Suara Mahasiswa President Fadhil Kasim welcomed the VC's remarks and said it marked an important shift in the university's stance. 'I believe the VC is playing his role as the head of the university, and it's important that his stance remains consistent. This is the first time he has made such a statement, and we welcome it,' he said. 'We will be meeting the VC tomorrow at 2pm to exchange views, possibly touching on the water issue.' The student group is organising Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, a peaceful rally scheduled for June 21-22 in Kota Kinabalu to demand systemic accountability and a solution to longstanding infrastructure problems. They also alleged that students involved in past activism had been called in by police and faced threats — but maintained that they would not be intimidated in their push for justice. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
