Transnet and unions UNTU and SATAWU will meet again on Wednesday to resume wage talks after a marathon session on Monday, into the early hours of Tuesday morning, facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

The parties have agreed and signed on the picketing rules and picketing sites, and ”remain willing to find a solution on the wage negotiations, under the auspices of the CCMA.”

The two parties have been engaged in negotiations since May this year which have culminated in trade unions at the state rail and ports company taking to the streets in protest.

“Transnet continues to engage with organised labour to find an amicable solution to the ongoing industrial action which has a profoundly negative impact not only on employees and the company but on the economy as well.

“We are hopeful that the meeting will bring parties closer together in reaching an agreement which balances the needs of the workers while protecting Transnet’s continued sustainability,” Transnet said.

Labour unions at Transnet have tabled requests for increases between 12% and 13.5% while Transnet has offered the workers:

• A 3% increase to guaranteed pay, with effect from 1 April 2022.
• The back-pay for the April to September 2022 period will be made in three equal amounts beginning January, February, and March 2023.
• From the end of October 2022, the new salary reflecting the 3% increase will be paid.
• A once-off ex gratia payment to each employee, which amounts to R7 600 before tax, to be paid at the end of the financial year.

Transnet says salary costs make up 66% of total operating costs, which is not sustainable.

“Our broad objective remains to drive investment and growth which ultimately is the only way to sustainably reduce household financial insecurity as it would increase opportunities for more South Africans to find work in a vibrant and growing economy.

“We urge workers and union leaders to seriously consider the offer currently on the table,” Transnet said.

Meanwhile, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Marine Services, whilst severely impacted by the strike, remain operational currently.

The loading and offloading of cargo across most Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) continues at reduced levels. The operations of the private terminal operators have not been affected.

Some Port of Cape Town employees that are members of SATAWU and UNTU are currently participating in the strike, picketing outside of the Port at the Marine Drive Entrance Plaza.

The Port of Cape Town says it has invoked its Business Continuity Management Plans and have activated its Command Centre in order to monitor the situation and to minimize the impact on port operations.