Gautrain workers belonging to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) have staged a protest over wages outside Waterfall City in Midrand.
Numsa says it wants a 13% wage increase, R2 000 in a housing allowance and a 60% medical aid contribution by the employer, among other demands.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says the employer has failed to negotiate in good faith refusing to move from its 5.6% offer.
She says the strike will continue indefinitely if management does not return to the negotiation table with a better offer.
“There’s two burning issues, the one is that Gautrain used to be a five-day operation, now it’s a six-day operation and workers want to be compensated for that sixth day. They’re just working but they’re not being paid overtime for that Saturday that they are working. The other demand is for guaranteed bonuses. Our members are demanding guaranteed bonuses because they’ve noted that the management of Gautrain rewarded itself with guaranteed bonuses of R22 000 whereas our members get bonuses only based on performance,” adds Hlubi-Majola.
The Bombela Operating Company (BOC) has assured its Gautrain passengers that its services will not be disrupted by the strike action.
PODCAST | Gautrain spokesperson Dr Kesagee Nayager and Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola on SAfm’s First Take:
