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BL Premium reports that the two largest unions at the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) have declared a dispute at the CCMA and are threatening industrial action after the rail operator “refused” to formally respond to demands for wage increases.
The SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) and the United National Transport Union (Untu) on Monday both declared a dispute with the CCMA after talks, which began early this year, stalled for the third time. The unions’ consolidated wage demands include a 15% across-the-board wage increase for 2025/26. They are also demanding a R3,000 housing subsidy, R50 per hour standby allowance, R10 per hour night shift allowance, a moratorium on retrenchments and a medical aid subsidy with the employer contributing 70%, among other demands. Untu spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie said Prasa management had yet to respond to labour’s demands. “This marks the third attempt by labour to secure an official response to the demands mandated by our members. Yet, Prasa management has responded with nothing but arrogance and blatant disregard for the collective bargaining process.” He explained further: “The first time we met, they said they were not ready. The second time, they said they are waiting for the tabling of the budget speech. On Monday, they said they are waiting for the board to approve their offer.” Satawu’s Amanda Tshemese said: “We started these negotiations early this year but as always, the management kept coming unprepared with nothing to offer at all … We want to make it clear we are left with no choice but to go on strike [as] it is clear that the employer prefers to negotiate on the streets.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page