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Gautrain
A looming major strike is threatening to disrupt Gautrain services, as the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) secures a strike certificate following the collapse of wage talks with the Bombela Operating Company.
Workers are demanding a 7% wage hike and improved allowances, citing rising living costs.
NUMSA accuses management of arrogance, following the offer of just 4.2%.
PODCAST | Strike threatens to disrupt Gautrain:
With the convenience of almost 8 million annual commuters at stake, NUMSA says only a meaningful offer can avert a strike.
NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says they are unable to move the needle in any significant way, which is why they are at a point currently where they feel like they have no other option but to resort to a strike.
“We think that 4.2% is not enough to satisfy the demands of workers. The lowest-paid workers that we represent are cleaners, who are earning approximately R9000. So, a 4.2% increase is not really a meaningful increase, particularly for those who are the lowest earners,” says Hlubi-Majola.
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