The attempts by the Bombela Operating Company, operator of the Gautrain, to avoid a strike backfired today.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) dismissed the issues Bombela raised to prevent the CCMA in issuing a certificate of non-resolution. This certificate was finally issued today almost two months after the United National Transport Union (UNTU) declared its dispute.
It allows UNTU’s members to decide if they want to go on a protected strike for a salary increase of 9%. Bombela is offering them a 7,6% salary increase.
A mass meeting is scheduled for Saturday where UNTU will get a mandate from its members on the way forward.
The blame for the delay in the finalization of this dispute must be placed on the shoulders of the employer who tried its best to delay the process because UNTU’s membership had dropped to below 50% + 1 and the employer no longer bargain collectively with the Union.
The Union has tried it utmost best not to disrupt commuters who are dependent on the Gautrain to get to work. “Unfortunately the attitude of the employer aggravated its employees. The decision of UNTU members on Saturday would determine when the Union will give the employer 48 hours’ notice to go on strike,” says Mr. Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU.
According to him UNTU remains committed to resolve the dispute in the best interest of its members and the crippled South African economy. The Union is well aware of the devastating impact any strike has on the economy as a whole.
For enquiries phone Mr. Harris on 082 566 5516.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
