/ 10 February 2006

Transnet unions to march on Parliament

While negotiations are under way to resolve the impasse at state-held Transnet over its restructuring, three unions — representing more than 10 000 Transnet workers in the Western Cape — will on February 15 march on Parliament to submit a memorandum to Minister of Public Enterprises Alec Erwin and Maria Ramos, CEO of the state-owned entity.

On the same day, Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel will be tabling his 10th Budget speech for the 2006/07 fiscal year.

South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) general secretary Randall Howard said the unions will go ahead with their proposed strike against Transnet in the Western Cape on Wednesday unless the utility commits to a transparent and fair, consultative negotiation process.

The joint mass action includes Satawu, the United Association of South Africa and the United Transport and Allied Trade Union. The South African Rail and Harbour Workers’ Union — which participated in the three-day KwaZulu-Natal strike that brought the Durban and Richards Bay harbours to a halt last week — will not participate.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, Howard said a meeting held between the unions and Transnet produced no results, due to the company’s failure to consult with labour. He added that Transnet was not abiding by agreements already reached. — I-Net Bridge