Phiwokuhle Mothemela
A showdown is looming between Transnet and one of its unions, the United Transport and Allied Union, UNTU.
This was after the parties could not find themselves at a conciliation meeting on Monday as the wage talks impasse continues.
UNTU spokesperson, Athenkosi Plaaitjie, says the negotiations have reached a definitive conclusion and the deadlock stands.
She said the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) would issue a certificate of non-resolution on Tuesday, legally enabling UNTU to commence industrial action.
UNTU said it was “abundantly clear” that Transnet had entered the process without any real commitment to resolving the impasse.
“Instead of meaningful engagement, we were met with power plays and political posturing.
“UNTU finds management’s approach to the conciliation process deeply regrettable, especially given the serious socio-economic consequences that industrial action may carry.
“We had hoped for a genuine effort to protect the interests of workers, ensure the long-term stability of the company and minimize the impact on our extremely fragile economy,” Plaaitjie said.
Meanwhile, the SOE said it was regrettable that as a result of the dispute lodged by UNTU, the state-owned entity was unable to legally extend the increase to UNTU members.
“Transnet is confident that it negotiated in good faith, and in the interest of the company and employees.
“The organisation approached the conciliation with a genuine desire to find an acceptable outcome, recognising that job security is essential for both employee well-being and Transnet’s long-term sustainability.
“The final offer of 6%, 6% and 5,5% and SATAWU’s acceptance of it took place within the context of a facilitated and a transparent wage negotiations process, and to suggest otherwise is untruthful,” Transnet said in a statement on Tuesday.
The SOE said it also welcomed UNTU’s decision to ballot its members, which it says will serve as a true reflection of employees’ wishes.
