Prasa, SATAWU, UNTU head to CCMA in bid to resolve wage dispute

JOHANNESBURG - Rail operator PRASA and two of its biggest trade unions are set to try mending fences again, this time at the CCMA, when the matter goes for conciliation Thursday morning.

This follows repeated attempts to resolve the ongoing wage dispute at the SOE.

Unions at PRASA, including the United National Transport Union (UNTU) lodged a dispute in March, accusing management at PRASA of negotiating in bad faith.

Negotiators from the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), alongside UNTU, met with management at the rail operator two weeks ago.

But the third attempt at talks ended without consensus on the wage demands.

The consolidated wage demands between unions SATAWU and UNTU include a 15% wage increase across the board, five times the rate of inflation.

They’re also demanding a medical aid subsidy where PRASA contributes 70% of the premiums while workers will fork out the 30% balance.

The final of the eight demands is a non-negotiable no-retrenchment clause for the duration of the agreement.

UNTU spokesperson Atenkosi Platjie said: "The cost-of-living crisis continues to hit workers hard, yet PRASA's negotiating team continues to treat their plight with contempt. Labour remains committed to a fair and meaningful negotiation process. However, we will not tolerate continued delays or dismissive attitudes from management."

She added the conciliation process would likely be a test on PRASA’s commitment to come to the table before unions make good on threats of industrial action.