The more than a week-old Gautrain strike is having a major negative impact on service efficiency, according to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA).
Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, national spokesperson for NUMSA, said it is unfortunate that Gautrain’s management is unable to engage in substantive negotiations and instead continues to take a risk with the smooth operation of train services.
Since the strike kicked off, Gautrain workers have been protesting for a 9% wage increase.
Wheels come off at CCMA meeting
“We met with the management under the auspices of the CCMA as part of the mediation, and we expected the management to put a decent offer on the table that would settle the strike.
“We were disappointed when the management put in the very same offer, which they had proposed at the time, when we deadlocked, and it was rejected again. They offered a 6.5% increase, but this increase is not across the board,” said Hlubi-Majola.
Hlubi-Majola added that the management at Gautrain is insulting their intelligence by making the same offer, which was rejected.
Playing games
“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 were genuine about resolving the strike, yet they allowed the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) to come to the CCMA and make the very same insulting offer that had been previously rejected.”
Despite the series of angry posts from frustrated commuters on the X app, Hlubi-Majola said their members will continue to withhold their labour until sense prevails.
“We call on our members to remain resolute and disciplined. They must continue to be united around their demands.
“We also reject the false propaganda that workers want to return to work. If commuters are inconvenienced, it is because of management that lacks vision and is careless.”
