South African workers and their employer, Transnet, have ended a two-week strike after reaching a new deal on Thursday that will see the workers getting a 6% pay hike this year, APA has learnt.
The workers’ representatives – the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union and the United National Transport Union — said they had decided to call off the strike after the deal which saw the industrial action completely paralysing Transnet’s operations nationwide.
Through mediation, the agreed wage offer included a 6% increase in the basic wage during the first year, a 5.5% increase in the basic wage for second year and the third year will see a 6% increase in the basic wages, according to the unions.
Apart from the pay, there were will be an increase in the medical aid subsidy in line with the increases in the basic wage over the duration of the agreement, the unions said.
The increase on the medical subsidy for the 2022/23 financial year will be implemented from 1 October 2022, they said, noting that an increase in the housing allowance will start from year 2023/24 and 2024/25.
The back-pay for the period 1 April to 30 September 2022 will be paid in two tranches, they agreed.
“Transnet continues to prioritise the safety of its employees and assets as operations prepare to ramp up. Engagements with customers and industry are ongoing, with joint planning to clear backlogs created as a result of the industrial action,” the state-owned rail and ports firm said after the deal was signed.
“On the rail side, trolley trips are being undertaken to assess the safety of the railway network as well as inspection of rolling stock to ensure trains are declared safe before services resume fully,” it said.
“Repairs to sections of the network affected by theft and vandalism during the strike are also being undertaken,” the company said.
NM/as/APA