An agreement has been reached between the Gautrain management company, Bombela Operating Company, and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) on 15 October.
Spokesperson for Numsa Phakamile Hlubi-Majola confirmed the agreement and said that the wage proposal was signed on 14 October. – after a two-week protest which began on 5 October sparked by disputes over wages. She announced that the agreement included that lower income earners, earning up to and including R8 500 per month, would receive a R900 per month increase. Employees earning between R8 501 to R20 000 per month would receive R850 per month increase. All employees who earn more than R20 000 will receive a 4.1 per cent increase, with the increase being backdated to 1 July this year.
“We welcome the signing of the agreement, particularly as the increase which has been secured benefits the lowest paid workers. If workers had received a 4.1 per cent increase it would have meant that the lowest paid worker would only get a R348 increase, compared to a R900 per month, which in reality translates to more than 10 per cent in increase.
“We thank our members who were resolute about their demands. Because of their courage and the sacrifices they made by embarking on strike action, all workers at Gautrain have received an increase in their salaries. Now that the agreement has been signed, the strike has officially been called off. Our members have agreed to resume their duties on 15 October,” she added.
Gautrain spokesperson, Kesagee Nayager confirmed the signing of the wage proposal, adding that they are pleased to advise that the strike has ended. “Numsa and BOC, with the support of the CCMA, have found a way in which the company’s offer of 4,1 per cent can be supported with employees in the lowest salary bands being better protected through this difficult period.
“The standard Gautrain train service will resume on 16 October. On 15 October, trains will continue to operate at 15-minute intervals in the peak periods and at 30-minute intervals in the off-peak period. All stations will remain open.” Nayager thanked the CCMA for its intervention and assistance in ending the wage deadlock.
“We also thank our passengers for their patience and understanding during this time.”
Details: For more information, please contact the Gautrain offices on 011 086 3500.
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