Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
15 November 2023 | 16:08 CAT

Image: United National Transport Union

Negotiations between PRASA and several labour organisations have reached a deadlock. Recognised labour, consisting of the United National Transport Union or UNTU and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union or SATAWU, reached a deadlock on the 2023-2024 Wage negotiations.

Labour has decided to declare a dispute with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) following the collapse of the meeting held at PRASA’s Umjantshi House on Monday.

SATAWU said it backtracked from signing the 5% wage increment after PRASA could not meet two of its key demands.

“It is unfortunate that labour has once again found itself in an unpleasant situation due to Prasa management’s bad faith negotiation tactics at the eleventh hour,” UNTU said.

“PRASA management failed to agree to clause 3.1 of the wage agreement draft that stipulates that the salary increase will be effective from 1 April 2023, retrospectively with a lump sum payment to all employees made together with their December salary,” the statement said.

UNTU and SATAWU were issued a strike certificate by the CCMA last week after PRASA management failed to show up with a mandate during the conciliation of a dispute on the unilateral appointment of a medical broker and the limited medical aids for employees to choose from.

UNTU reserves its right to give PRASA 48-hours’ notice of its intention to go on strike, Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, said.

UNTU Deputy General Secretary Dan Khumalo explains the lack of trust in PRASA.

“Previously in 2020, we entered into a multi agreement for three years, of which PRASA complied with only in the first year but did not implement the second and final year of the agreement. UNTU had to then approach the court to enforce compliance on the collective agreement,” Khumalo said.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.