UNTU ready to take legal action against PRASA if it breaks wage deal
UNTU's threats come after union leaders at UNTU and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATUWU) received letters from PRASA management this week.
- Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)
- United National Transport Union (UNTU)
- South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU)
A PRASA depot. Picture: @PRASA_Group/X
JOHANNESBURG - The United National Transport Union (UNTU) said it was ready to take legal action against PRASA amid concerns rail operator could fail to honour a wage agreement.
UNTU's threats come after union leaders at UNTU and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATUWU) received letters from PRASA management this week.
In the letter, the SOE cited financial constraints for possibly not being able to honour the wage agreement meant to take effect in August.
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The deal, signed in July, a 5.5% salary increase for the 2025/26 financial year and a once-off lump sum in backpay for April to July.
UNTU said that the letter from PRASA failed to follow correct protocol by bypassing the PRASA Bargaining Forum, signalling the entity’s blatant disregard for established procedures and protocol.
UNTU spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie: "UNTU condemns PRASA for its dishonesty and shameful behaviour, which is demoralising its workforce and further damaging its relationship with recognised labour. These underhanded tactics are eroding the PRASA Bargaining Forum, a structure designed to foster a healthy and constructive relationship between management and labour."
The union has warned PRASA not to test it.
"UNTU looks forward to the implementation of the 2025/26 salary/wage collective agreement per the agreed-upon timelines."
Plaatjie said if PRASA did not honour the full agreement, the union would move to litigate, similar to a move that saw the SOE cough up millions for breaking a 2020 wage agreement.