Labour unions were expected to conclude consultation sessions with bus drivers yesterday (Wednesday) regarding the proposed wage offer of 8,7% by the employers which might see the end of the national bus strike.
The strike which has been ongoing for four weeks can only end if employees agree to the offer on the table. Workers affiliated to various unions, including the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu), embarked on a strike 21 days ago following the deadlock in wage negotiations. They had initially demanded 12% across the board wage increase but employers offered 7% for the first year, 7,25% for the second year and 7,5% for the final year.
Satawu media officer Zanele Sabela said the unions initially refused to sign a multi-year agreement arguing employers were not doing enough to entice them.
Workers lowered their demands once again from 9,5% across the board wage increase for the first year and 8,5% for the second year to 9% for first year and 8,5% for the second year but the employers proposed 8,7% for the first year and 8,2% for the second year, she stated.
Sabela indicated that the proposal by the employers was made on Monday forcing labour unions to host consultation meetings with the workers to see if they agree to the offer. She further said the consultation process was expected to be concluded on Wednesday.
“If you see a strike entering the fourth week, one must know that there is a huge problem. Workers will have to deal with the no work, no pay system because it will be difficult to convince employers to give drivers half or a quarter of their salaries,” Sabela explained.
Great North Transport (GNT) Marketing and Business Development manager, Patrick Monkoe said they wished negotiators could reach a conclusion as soon as possible because the strike affected commuters. When asked if drivers will be paid a certain amount, he said the no work, no pay system will be applicable hence drivers will just have to deal with the consequences thereof.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
