The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] supports the strike by our sister union, the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union [SATAWU] at Transnet which begins today.

The national strike by SATAWU comes after the union had secured a certificate of non-resolution of dispute at the Transnet Bargaining Council [TBC] thereby paving way for a protected strike at the parastatal. As NEHAWU, we fully support their decision to withdraw their labour in demand of better wages, improved and better working conditions.

The national union supports the genuine demands by workers for better salaries and improved working conditions. The national union believes that the demand of 12% salary increment is a justifiable and reasonable demand considering the socio-economic realities that are threatening the lives of millions of workers and the poor. The employer in responding to the demands of workers offered a mere 3% increment, which is an insult to these workers. The offer by the Transnet Management is below the inflation rate which has accelerated to 7.8%.

The Transnet management has shown total disdain towards these workers, undermined collective bargaining and the rights of workers and this is should be fought in all fronts by workers at Transnet. As NEHAWU, we call on the management of Transnet to desist from using underhand tactics of undermining collective bargaining and rights of workers, such as approaching courts to interdict a protected strike.

Lastly, we call on the management of Transnet to accede to the demands of SATAWU. As NEHAWU, we stand in solidarity with SATAWU and the workers of Transnet, in their struggle for improved salaries and working conditions. 

END

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat

Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335 or email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za