The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is in solidarity with the members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) who are demanding a 13% wage increase from the management of Gautrain. This call comes on the heels of an agreement of an 8% increase for workers which was signed last year in July 2023 and expired last month.
The wage agreement included an 8% wage increase across the board, a 10% increase in housing allowance, a 5% transport allowance, a R500 increase for performance bonus, a night shift allowance of R35 an hour and for the Gautrain staff card to remain in place. Given the inflation rate of 5.2% in April and May, the demand for a 13% increase is not only justifiable but it is essential to lift the living standards of Gautrain employees whose living standards have been undermined by the rising cost of food, fuel, transport and electricity. In addition, the interest rate hikes have also made housing more expensive, cars and credit.
It is deeply troubling that while the workers struggle to make ends meet, their bosses are earning bonuses that amount to R22,000 a day. Workers are denied a guaranteed bonus and are subjected to an incentive bonus system that requires them to first meet certain requirements. This disparity is not only unfair but highlights a gross inequality in the treatment of workers within the company.
SAFTU calls for fair remuneration packages in the form of above-inflation wage increases, adequate allowances, and equitable bonuses. We urge Gautrain Managers to engage in meaningful negotiations and to meet the demands of the workers, who are the backbone of the company.
