Transnet, workers union hold urgent meeting to avert looming strike as wage talks deadlock

AN URGENT Section 150 meeting organised by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to avert a potential strike by thousands of workers at Transnet took place on Tuesday.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This followed the United National Transport Union's (UNTU) assertion that they have yet to receive a revised wage proposal from Transnet, despite ongoing negotiations.

The union has threatened to issue a 48-hour notice of industrial action if no wage offer is received, which could cripple South Africa's vital freight and transport sector.

UNTU general secretary, Cobus van Vuuren, said they would attend the s150 meeting but emphasised that no further negotiations will take place henceforth.

“UNTU expects a revised wage proposal to be tabled at this meeting. Should this not materialise, the union will exercise its constitutional right by issuing Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action,” he said.

“UNTU and Transnet Management will also finalise the picketing of designated sites prior to the commencement of the CCMA-facilitated $150 proceedings.”

The implications of a strike extend well beyond immediate disruptions.