Transnet is on the brink of a devastating strike after wage negotiations between the state-owned logistics company and the United National Transport Union (Untu) reached a deadlock this week.
Efforts by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate failed, raising the specter of nationwide industrial action, reported the Sunday Times.
Strike Threat Looms
Untu, which represents 26,500 Transnet workers, has warned it will issue a 48-hour strike notice if no revised wage offer is presented by Monday.
Untu spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie told the Sunday Times: “Should no revised offer be forthcoming, Untu will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action. This could potentially result in action commencing on Thursday, in line with the overwhelming mandate secured from Untu’s members.”
The union has already begun logistical preparations for a strike, signaling its readiness to down tools.
Failed Mediation Efforts
Despite three days of facilitated talks by senior CCMA commissioners, the wage dispute remains unresolved. Plaatjie emphasized that Untu participated in good faith, proposing wage adjustments that balanced workers’ needs with Transnet’s financial constraints.
“Throughout the process, Untu tabled a variety of wage proposals for Transnet’s consideration, proposals which we are confident were in line with the economic and financial pressures facing our members,” he said.
Rejected Offer & Strike Mandate
Untu previously rejected Transnet’s three-year wage deal—which rival union Satawu accepted—offering 6% increases in the first two years and 5.5% in the third. On April 15, Untu members voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action.
Plaatjie stressed the need for a sustainable agreement: “We had hoped Transnet and its mandate-givers would seriously consider [our proposals], particularly given the potential economic impact of industrial action.”
With the clock ticking, South Africa’s supply chain faces disruption unless a last-minute breakthrough is reached.
