CCMA proposes settlement to resolve UNTU and Transnet wage impasse

The United National Transport Union (UNTU) confirmed on Wednesday that Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process between the union and Transnet have tabled a formal Facilitators’ Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the ongoing salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet. Transnet also confirmed that discussions are still ongoing.

UNTU General Secretary, Cobus van Vuuren said that after a lengthy and challenging round of wage negotiations for the 2025/26 period, UNTU confirms that the CCMA Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process have tabled a formal Facilitators’ Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet.

“On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the CCMA convened another facilitation session at the Transnet Bargaining Council and invited all the affected parties, including UNTU, Transnet, and SATAWU. The CCMA engaged parties separately, a decision we commend, as UNTU and Transnet remain the sole parties to the declared Dispute of Mutual Interest,” added Van Vuuren.

Van Vuuren said that the Commissioners’ Proposal represents a final effort to avert protected industrial action by UNTU.

“The proposal has been shared with all parties for consideration. UNTU’s Executive Council has met to determine the next steps, and a formal mandating process in terms of the Facilitators’ Proposal for Settlement is now underway. Members will decide whether to accept or reject the proposal. Should it be rejected, UNTU reserves the right to initiate protected industrial action in line with the Labour Relations Act (LRA).”

Van Vuuren said the proposal must also be considered by Transnet, and all parties are expected to respond to the CCMA by June 10, 2025.

“This development reflects the resilience and commitment of UNTU’s negotiating team...in defending members’ rights to fair wage increases and job security, especially amid growing private sector interest in Transnet, one of South Africa’s most important strategic assets.”

Van Vuuren said that history will judge those who stood idle while UNTU pursued every legal avenue available to protect workers’ job security amid the economic crisis facing the working class of South Africa. 

In response to a query, Transnet said they continue to participate in the conciliation process led by the CCMA to resolve the current wage dispute. “The parties met on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 to continue with the discussions to resolve the dispute and will reconvene by 10 June 2025..”

Visit:www.businessrepoprt.co.za