The SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) says that they are willing to compromise with Transnet on a wage increase to ensure that production resumes without delays but rejects the recommendation of the Commission of Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)’s proposed wage increase of 6%.
Also Read: City of Cape Town calls for negotiations to end Transnet strike
The week-long strike at Transnet has seen 80% of its manpower down tools causing major delays at ports and rail services across South Africa which is detrimental to the country’s economy.
The ongoing strike is estimated to cost the South African economy up to R1 billion a day due to the major shipping backlogs at the Country’s ports.
As reported by Moneyweb – The CEO of the South African Association of Ship Operations and Agents (Saasoa), Peter Besnard said, “From an economic point of view there are millions of rands worth of cargo on the water given the peak Christmas season that is upon us that may not end up on the shelves as a result.
“Companies that are waiting for raw material, components to manufacture goods, cars etc [may] have to shut down their plants and put staff on short time. All in all, a terrible scenario.”
He added that as history has taught us, it will take several months for the economy to recover from the impact of a drawn-out strike.
Amanda Tshemese, spokesperson for Satuawu, stated that although the union is willing to compromise with Transnet, they are not willing to accept anything below the inflation rate as it wont aid in mitigating conditions of poverty and structural inequities in SA.
“Our members feel that accepting anything below inflation will be a detriment of their livelihoods. They will accept anything above inflation.”
Negotiations with Transnet resume today, 17 October. The strike will continue until such a time that an agreement is reached and signed in respect of both parties.
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