Numsa warns of Gautrain strike as wage talks deadlock
Bombela Operating Company has accused trade union Numsa of abandoning the Gautrain wage negotiations.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has warned its members working at Gautrain could down tools following a deadlock in wage negotiations with the operating company.
The union claims that the company wants to abolish housing allowances for its members.
"Numsa has in principle agreed to a proposed increase for housing allowances and this is contradictory to Numsa’s allegations that the company seeks to abolish the housing allowance," said Gautrain spokesperson Kesagee Nayager.
But she said Numsa had walked out during engagements with the company.
“Wage negotiations between the Bombela Operating Company and Numsa has unfortunately deadlocked and the CCMA has since issued a certificate of non-resolution," added Nayager.
“The company and Numsa has agreed upfront to have three wage negotiation sittings, but Numsa abandoned the negotiations after the second sitting.”
Nayager said another bone of contention is the cancelling of cards permitting free train rides to staff, which she said affects less than 10 staff members affiliated to the union.
“The company can confirm that this demand relates to less than 10 employees based at the depot.
“This demand therefore has no impact on operational employees who conduct their duties at stations and on trains. The company remains open and willing to engage further with Numsa to reach an amicable agreement.”
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