The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) and security sector employers have deadlocked over an apparent misunderstanding of the terms of a revised wage offer.
Jackson Simon, Satawu’s national coordinator for the security industry, said on Wednesday that parties will meet again on Monday in an attempt to iron out the differences.
He said it transpired on Monday that the union’s understanding of the new offer differed from that of the employers.
”They are confused about what they are offering. When we met on Monday to confirm the offer … they said they understood differently. On Tuesday we said they must go away and consult … and come back with an exact offer,” said Simon.
Employers could not be reached for comment.
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) director Nerine Khan said on Tuesday the parties generally agreed on most aspects of a new wage offer the day before.
Differences mostly revolved around the interpretation of parts of the agreement.
The strike began on March 23. Employers had been offering an 8,3% increase, but on Friday revised their offer to a three-year deal with a 9,25 p% pay hike in the first year, 7,25% in the second year and 7% in the third year.
Meanwhile, planned informal meetings on Thursday under the auspices of the CCMA were cancelled as the employers were said to be unavailable.
Striking security guards — in an attempt to intensify their fight — will walk from Library Gardens in Johannesburg to Sandton City on Thursday.
Simon said this was to bring the plight of security guards to the attention of the ”petty bourgeoisie”.
”Those that have got resources, they are in Sandton in their big, expensive places. They do not understand the suffering of those on strike.
”We appeal to them to concede to the plight of security guards.” — Sapa