Transnet and UNTU finally signed a multi-year settlement agreement
The ports and rail operator has been at odds with the majority union, UNTU, after the State-owned company refused to give in to a 10% wage increase in a single-year agreement.
Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - After a lengthy and tough round of wage negotiations, Transnet and the United National Transport Union (UNTU) have finally signed a multi-year settlement agreement.
The ports and rail operator has been at odds with the majority union, UNTU, after the State-owned company refused to give in to a 10% wage increase in a single-year agreement.
Earlier this year, Transnet agreed with the minority union SATAWU (South African Transport and Allied Workers Union), offering a 6% increase for year one and an additional 11.5% over another two years.
UNTU rejected the move and ran a parallel process.
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The new agreement signed by Transnet and the majority union UNTU on Thursday now supersedes the previous deal with SATAWU.
It's expected to see workers across the board get a 6% increase for each of the three years running.
UNTU spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie said, “UNTU acknowledges the role of the CCMA as the highest dispute resolution body, which intervened to avert industrial action which would have derailed Transnet’s recovery and turnaround plan and collapsed an already fragile South African economy.”
UNTU says it considers the new deal a win.