NUMSA accuses Gautrain Management Agency of negotiating wage hikes in bad faith

JOHANNESBURG - The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has accused the Gautrain Management Agency of negotiating wage increases in bad faith.

NUMSA said that despite mediation from the CCMA, an agreement to end their strike had not been reached.

The union and representatives from the Bombela Operating Company met at the CCMA on Thursday after workers downed tools this week.

NUMSA is demanding a 9% wage increase for its workers, revised down from 13%. 

The union said that during talks on Thursday, the company tabled a 6.5% offer which workers had already rejected before. 

"This is a sign that Gautrain management is playing games with the workers, and also playing games with the public. We are also deeply disappointed in the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), and in particular, in its CEO, Tshepo Kgobe, who was quick to rush to the media and create the illusion that they are genuine about resolving the strike, and yet, they allowed the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) to come to the CCMA and make the very same insulting offer which had been previously rejected," NUMSA said.