While Transnet might have reached an agreement with labour union, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), for 3 years, the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) expressed outrage last week, saying the rail giant, has blatantly disregarded collective bargaining and fair labour.
The United National Transport Union (UNTU), another union at Transnet, also rejected the 3-year deal it was offered, and pulled the company back to the wage negotiations process.
This week, Transnet said it respects the role of any union to mobilise and represent its members, and set the record straight about its current ongoings with labour unions.
Transnet said wage demands presented by UNTU thus far in the negotiation process are unaffordable and unrealistic, and if implemented, would put Transnet on the brink of bankruptcy.
The company said, it will comply with all provisions of its existing Recognition Agreement signed with SATAWU and UNTU and prevailing legislation, especially the Labour Relations Act when considering any restructuring initiatives.
It also said UNTU is disingenuous in being selective about what to reveal and what to keep as confidential.
Transnet also said dispelled UNTU’s insinuation about a “secret deal” it has with SATAWU.