Unions demand 15% wage hike as Prasa talks stall over delay

Prasa train station.

Labour unions at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) have tabled a demand for a 15% across-the-board salary increase.

However, the first round of talks hit a snag when Prasa failed to provide a counteroffer, instead requesting a three-week postponement to consult with executive management.

Labour unions South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) and United National Transport Union (Untu) are now accusing the rail agency of acting in bad faith. That is with talks meant to begin last October.

Workers are also demanding a non-retrenchments clause.

“We did table a 15% increment across the board following a mandate process from our side. As things stand, unfortunately, we don’t have a table salary offer from management. Once again labour has found management wanting and unprepared for this negotiations as they have requested three weeks to seek a mandate from the exco. While we cannot halt the process, we do have to condemn the culture of delaying a negotiation process because it does demoralise our members and broader employees who face the daily pressures of this economic crisis,” says Untu Spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie.