Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
19 February 2024 | 13:00 CAT
2 min read

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has warned of a potential bus strike if companies do not improve their offer in response to the 10% wage increase demanded by sector employees.

According to NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, they were demanding enhanced primary health care allowances in addition to a 10% salary increase from bus companies such as Putco, Algoa, and Great North Transport.

During an interview with Radio Islam, Hlubi-Majola outlined the reason for the impasse in negotiations: “The unions’ demands to the court are: firstly, we want a 10% increase across the board. Secondly, we want medical aid/medical insurance, and thirdly, we want an increase in the allowance for the second driver. However, we are deadlocked on the last two demands. The employers are not willing to consider the other demands and only offered a 4% increase in exchange for the unions dropping all other demands, which is what led to the deadlock.”

Hlubi-Majola said that while they are currently optimistic and would rather not resort to a strike if the employers persist in not presenting a viable offer, they will have no alternative but to take strike action.

She indicated that the strike is likely to occur over the long Easter weekend, which will cause significant difficulties for commuters.

“A strike, by its very nature, is disruptive; now, if we were to wait for a weekend that is more convenient to the employer, then we would be unlikely to be able to negotiate and get the demands we want,” she said.

Hlubi-Majola believes it is outrageous that employers who are profiting from the labour of workers and their associated hardships are unwilling to provide even a modest return in the form of improved benefits and wages.

“Since 2019, workers have been requesting medical aid. A feasibility study was conducted, which revealed that employers have the financial capacity to provide it. However, they are using the National Health Insurance (NHI) as an excuse, claiming they want it to be implemented first. The workers are entitled to benefit from the NHI, but they have been discussing it since 2007, and nothing is happening,” she added.

She pointed out that the double driver allowance they are negotiating for is also crucial because the second driver often faces significant exploitation; although they receive an allowance, they do not receive additional pay for their work. “It’s as if this person is volunteering their time. How is this even allowed?” Hlubi-Majola questioned.

She asserted that if it becomes necessary to halt bus operations during the significant long weekend to compel employers to treat employees humanely with dignity and provide fair compensation, then they are prepared to take that step. However, she emphasised that such drastic measures could be avoided if employers would simply present a meaningful offer for negotiation.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and NUMSA’s Phakamile Hlubi-Majola here.