The national spokesperson for National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, confirmed on 12 October that Gautrain workers would continue to protest until a fair agreement has been reached.
Numsa members protested outside the Gautrain Depot in Midrand on 5 October as reported in the Midrand Reporter article Salaries up or tools down [Week ending 9 October]. Numsa claimed that the Bombela Operating Company [which managed the Gautrain] was not listening to them after imposing a 4.1 per cent salary instead of the proposed eight per cent.
Hlubi-Majola explained that the strike indefinite as management had been refusing talks with them on a better increase. “They said this is our offer, this is our final offer. Four per cent, take it or leave it. We are not negotiating. And ultimately that is a problem, in South African law you do not have a right as an employer to simply impose changes on the workforce, you have to meet engage meaningfully and come to an agreement,” she added.
Hlubi-Majola confirmed that the strike would continue until further notice. “We have not reached an agreement with the employer. We met on 9 October but we did come to a fair agreement, as a result, both parties have requested the CCMA to intervene. We are waiting for them to give a date for mediation – the strike continues.”
Gautrain spokesperson Kesagee Nayager confirmed that wage negotiations between the Bombela Operating Company and Numsa have not been resolved. “Some workers affiliated with Numsa remain on strike,” Nayager said.
“Whilst we did not operate a train service on 10 October, we were able to provide a limited train service on 11 October from 9am until 6pm on both the east-west and north-south lines. Trains were available every hour from both directions.”
Nayager added that on 12 and 13 October trains would operate during the standard morning and afternoon peak periods at 15-minute intervals. “During the off-peak periods, trains will operate at 30-minute intervals on both lines.”
Details: Gautrain 0800 428 87246.
Related article:
Numsa members protest salary increase at Gautrain’s Midrand depot
