South African transport strike on its last legs

By on May 20, 2010

Transnet has confirmed that, in a second round of mediation concluded yesterday afternoon, the talks intended to resolve the ongoing wage dispute were constructive and positive Sharon Gill reports

Transnet and labour have agreed to reconvene today at 16h00 local time

Transnet has maintained its senior teams at command centres throughout the country to ensure that recovery plans are put in place to make up for backlogs accumulated during the strike

Meanwhile, Transnet spokesman John Dludlu issued a statement in response to union comments that the company had given workers a 7% increase last year while giving executives a 14% increase

"This statement is untrue and malicious Over the last three years, increases to executive remuneration have averaged 56% In fact, last year, all management accepted a zero percentage increase for the first six months of the financial year and 5% implemented on October 1, 2009 - an effective 25% for the year"

The strike has disrupted South Africa's rail and port operations, and Transnet is applying the "no work, no pay" principle

"When Transnet stops, South Africa stops," said Chris Wells, Transnet's acting group chief executive "I invite all our employees to return to work and not lose any more money as our offer is fair and generous In the meantime, we are working tirelessly to reach an agreement with our unions"