Talks aimed at resolving the ongoing security guard strike were ”progressing well” at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) said on Wednesday.
Satawu and the Transport and Allied Workers’ Union of South Africa have been on strike since March 23, demanding an 11% pay hike while employers offered 8,3%.
On Wednesday, Satawu spokesperson Ronnie Mamba said: ”The talks are progressing well between the employers and the two unions … ”
The negotiations, which could possibly end on Thursday, began at 9am on Wednesday, Mamba said in a statement.
”We will then release a comprehensive media statement [on Thursday] when we adjourn.
”We took a decision not to comment on the content or any substantive issues relating to the talks so that we truly give the talks a chance,” Mamba said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Satawu general secretary Randall Howard hinted that the outcome of the meeting will probably be announced on Thursday.
Mamba said the guards had stuck out the long strike in the hopes of improving their lives.
The union carried a mandate of an 11% increase for its workers but said they were willing to make concessions.
”When we get to the negotiating table we are prepared to talk,” he said, adding that union negotiators also hoped to secure a four-month maternity leave for female guards.
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) launched a solidarity fund to cover Satawu’s further expenses in the strike in order to prevent the industrial action ending in the union’s liquidation, Cosatu leader Willie Madisha said. — Sapa