IN CONVERSATION WITH Amanda Tshemese- SATAWU spokesperson
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Commuters across South Africa may face disruptions in the coming weeks as
bus drivers affiliated with the South African Transport and Allied Workers
Union (SATAWU) threaten to go on strike following a deadlock in wage
negotiations.
The dispute emerged during talks at the South African Road Passenger
Bargaining Council, where unions and employer organisations negotiate
wages and working conditions in the bus passenger sector.
According to SATAWU, workers are demanding a two-year wage agreement,
which includes a 6.5% salary increase in the second year. However, employer
organisations have reportedly offered around 3.5%, a proposal the union says
does not adequately respond to the rising cost of living.
Following the breakdown in negotiations, the union has indicated that a strike
could take place closer to the Easter travel period, raising concerns about
disruptions for commuters and holiday travellers.
However, the bargaining council has warned that any strike action within the
next 30 days would be illegal, as labour law requires a cooling-off period
after a dispute is formally declared. During this period, the parties are
expected to continue attempts to resolve the dispute through conciliation
before industrial action can take place.
If the strike proceeds after the legal processes are completed, thousands of
commuters who rely on bus services for daily transport could be affected.
bus drivers affiliated with the South African Transport and Allied Workers
Union (SATAWU) threaten to go on strike following a deadlock in wage
negotiations.
The dispute emerged during talks at the South African Road Passenger
Bargaining Council, where unions and employer organisations negotiate
wages and working conditions in the bus passenger sector.
According to SATAWU, workers are demanding a two-year wage agreement,
which includes a 6.5% salary increase in the second year. However, employer
organisations have reportedly offered around 3.5%, a proposal the union says
does not adequately respond to the rising cost of living.
Following the breakdown in negotiations, the union has indicated that a strike
could take place closer to the Easter travel period, raising concerns about
disruptions for commuters and holiday travellers.
However, the bargaining council has warned that any strike action within the
next 30 days would be illegal, as labour law requires a cooling-off period
after a dispute is formally declared. During this period, the parties are
expected to continue attempts to resolve the dispute through conciliation
before industrial action can take place.
If the strike proceeds after the legal processes are completed, thousands of
commuters who rely on bus services for daily transport could be affected.
