South African industries across the board uttered a collective sigh of relief yesterday (17 October) when the week-long Transnet strike was finally resolved.
The strike brought ports to a standstill and severely affected imports and exports. This was particularly acute at Durban, serving Toyota and other major exporters, and Gqeberha, which serves Volkswagen and other major exporters.
On Monday, Transnet reached a three-year wage deal agreement with the United National Transport Union (UNTU), which represents more than 50% of unionised staff. It is expected that the other unions will follow suit, and news reports already indicate that many workers are returning to their stations.
The deal includes a 6% increase in year one, a 5.5% increase in year two, and a 6% increase in year three, as well as medical aid and housing allowance increases.
Some analysts were surprised by the fact that the union, which until recently demanded a 12% wage increase, settled for a below-inflation deal.
The deal will apply to all workers in the sector (including non-unionised employees) with effect from 1 October.
JMC in South Africa will get a boost to increase its footprint with a strategic partnership with Salvador Caetano Auto South Africa, which also brought GAC Motor to the country.
To enter working life at age 17 and have your own business by 18 requires considerable effort and ingenuity.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
JMC in South Africa will get a boost to increase its footprint with a strategic partnership with Salvador Caetano Auto South Africa, which also brought GAC Motor to the country.
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