Unions, bus companies return to negotiating table
Updated | By Heart FM, Pieter van der Merwe
Talks have collapsed repeatedly since bus drivers embarked on a strike in April.
Transport unions and bus companies were headed back to the negotiating table on Thursday morning, as the nationwide bus strike moved into its third week.
Both parties failed to reach common ground last week, even after intervention from both Labour and Transport ministers.
Unions have not reacted kindly to the latest ultimatum given by bus employers.
They have warned that if the unions don't take their offer of a nine percent salary increase for 11 months, and eight percent for the following year -- they'll revoke the offer.
But the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) says unions were adamant to secure an increase of nine-point-five percent for the first 12 months.
ALSO READ: Unions to meet as bus drivers’ strike drags on
Satawu has repeatedly expressed its desire to end the strike, repeatedly calling for fresh talks when negotiations collapse.
"On Monday unions met and they decided to write to the bargaining council requesting the general secretary to arrange a meeting between employers and unions," explains Satawu's Zanele Sabela.
Meanwhile, bus companies say fares may have to be increased if they agree to the demands of striking drivers.
Employers have already upped their offer to nine percent this year and eight percent next year.
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