SATAWU-affiliated bus drivers set to go on strike after wage negotiations hit deadlock

Bus drivers affiliated to the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) are set to go on strike following yet another deadlock in wage negotiations.

SATAWU has been stuck in wage talks with various bus passenger sector organisations at the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council.

The union was demanding a two-year wage agreement, with a 6.5% wage increment across the board for the second year.

ALSO READ: SATAWU, UNTU declare dispute with PRASA over wage negotiations

However, the various bus employee organisations could only collectively offer a 3.5% wage increase.

SATAWU spokesperson Amanda Tshemese said this calls for a strike, which will likely take place closer to the Easter weekend.

"We must undergo a 30-day cooling period, and we will serve the employer a 48-hour notice before going on strike. We want to make it clear that we are still open to going back to the negotiations table only if the employer tables something that is more meaningful and reasonable
to the workers."