Full steam ahead for Gautrain despite deadlocked wage talks
Gautrain says its services have resumed despite being locked in wage negotiations with the National Union Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa).
The workers union downed tools last week over a wage dispute with Bombela Operating Company.
The company is proposing a 4.1% wage increase, while Numsa wants an 8% wage increase.
Gautrain spokesperson Kesagee Nayager says the dispute is now before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
“We have resumed discussions with Numsa on the 8th of October, but we have not as yet reached an agreement. We are thankful to the CCMA who is currently assisting us in this regard and we will continue to negotiate in good faith,” says Nayager.
ALSO READ:
Extend and increase Covid-19 grants - civil society, trade unions
Both grants were rolled out earlier this year to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The provision of the grant be will halted at the end of October. But the Covid-19 People's Coalition says government needs to stretch it a bit further.
By Monday, the trains were back on track with minimal disruptions.
“From an operational perspective we are very pleased that Gautrain operations continue with little to no impact to passengers, particularly over the weekdays when demand for the service is greatest.
“We will maintain the same weekday service that we had during the course of last week so trains will operate during the standard morning and afternoon peak periods,” Nayager adds.
