Question marks arose as to whether or not Gautrain commuters using the Sandton station would experience delays on July 8, when National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) affiliated workers went on strike.
Numsa national spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola released a statement on July 7, wherein the union issued a warning to Gautrain commuters that services may be interrupted by their planned protest.
Hlubi-Majola alleged that wage talks held from April 17 to June 11, between Numsa and the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) – which operates the Gautrain – resulted in the BOC’s refusal to meet the union’s demands. She stated that the strike would last indefinitely until Numsa’s demands were met.
On July 9, in a follow-up press statement released by Numsa, Hlubi-Majola announced that the union would be participating in a mediation initiated by the CCMA in terms of Section 150 of the Labour Relations Act.
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“In terms of the legislation, the CCMA is empowered to invite parties who are engaged in a wage dispute to participate in conciliation if the dispute is in the public interest,” Hlubi-Majola announced. “Numsa will be participating in this process, and we will adopt an open mind in order to ensure that we play our role in finding a speedy resolution to the strike.”
Hlubi-Majola concluded by reminding us that Numsa is acting in representation of 286 out of 300 workers at Gautrain.
“Our members began the strike on July 8; we are demanding a 9% wage increase, and we are also demanding that Gautrain allows Numsa shop stewards to represent members – and for workers to be compensated with overtime when they work six days a week.”
Numsa rejected the proposed 5.6% increase offered by BOC.
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Gautrain and the BOC were contacted on July 8, for a comment over the developing situation. Gautrain spokesperson Dr Kesagee Nayager assured passengers that Gautrain services will not be disrupted by the planned strike by their employees affiliated with Numsa.
“The company has implemented contingency plans to ensure that Gautrain customers are not adversely affected by the planned strike due to an impasse regarding wage negotiations,” said Nayager. “We will keep customers updated in this regard.”
