South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU) will today embark on the second phase of salary negotiations at Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
Last week saw SATAWU along with United National Transport Union (UNTU) table their demands within Prasa’s bargaining unit. Included in these demands is a 20% across-the-board salary increase to be implemented on 1 April 2017, failing which, it shall be retrospectively implemented.
SATAWU is also demanding a medical aid allowance of R1 000 for all junior employees and a R200 per shift risk allowance for those members whose work exposes them to safety risks. This includes train drivers, security personnel, rail maintenance staff, access controllers and all operational grades.
Increases in the following allowances are also sought:
- R20 night shift allowance increase
- R150 standby allowance per shift for junior officials
- R50 travelling allowance
- Book-off allowance of R50 for Main Line Passenger and On Board Services.
Unions are also demanding a shift from Total Guaranteed Package to Basic Salary.
The first phase of the negotiations started last Wednesday and ended on Friday. The current round is set for two days with phase three unfolding on 7, 8 and 9 March. The last round will take place on 22, 23 and 24 March.
Negotiations look set to be robust as there is a huge margin between labour’s 20% increase demand and the rail agency’s offer of 3%. However, SATAWU is prepared to go the distance to ensure management concedes to our demands.
For more information contact:
Zanele Sabela, SATAWU Media Officer
011 403 2077 / info@satawu.org.za