A new Transport Union, The United National Transport Union (UNTU), comes into being from 1 November 2014. The announcement of this change was done today (30 October 2014) during a launch function.
The Union was formerly known as UTATU SARWHU following the merger almost two years ago of the United Transport and Allied Trade Union and the South African Railway and Harbour Workers Union.
“With UTATU having its roots in the old, predominantly white Technical and Footplate Workers’ Unions and SARWHU being a black struggle Union formed during 2002, UTATU SARWHU was believed to have been a marriage that could not survive,” says UNTU general secretary, Steve Harris.
“Not only have we survived, but our Union has grown from strength to strength to become the majority Trade Union in most Transnet Operations and the only Union in Bombela, Mega Express and Bombardier.
In the process we have achieved one of the richest and most viable blends of race, gender and skills yet seen in the new South Africa. We have a rich background of transport history as we originate from 1905 when the Locomotive Mutual Aid Society (LEMAS) was established.
“We attribute the reason for our success to the fact that our formula is one of delivering service excellence,” says Steve Harris.
“Workers have become more demanding. They are tired of having to shell out their hard-earned subscriptions for slogans, flag-waving and empty promises. They want positive returns from their Trade Union products and UNTU fits the bill in that respect.”
Harris says that he expects UNTU’s growth within the various industries they organize in to accelerate in the months ahead.
“Word is spreading that this Union charges the least, delivers the best results and provides the finest representation, training and add-on benefits. All of that adds up to a winning formula.”
For further information please contact: –
General Secretary Steve Harris on 085 566 5516
Presidents George Strauss on 083 303 7346
President Moses Pholo on 082 738 2161
