The South African Transport and Allied Workers Unions (SATAWU) has been engaged in wage negotiations that are currently taking place with the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBC) and has a declared a dispute. This comes after SATAWU tabled its demands as the 2-year agreement is coming to an end with the employer.
The transport union’s demands are very clear, yet the employer is refusing to meet those demands. SATAWU is demanding a two – year wage agreement to be implemented from the 1st of April 2026. 6,5% wage increment across the board for the 2nd year, an R800 adjustment for double driver allowance and an establishment of a private hire allowance (R500 per day – 100km round trip or less and R900 over 100km)
For the 2nd year, SATAWU is demanding a 7.5% wage increment across the board, hours to be in line with the BCEA from 18h00 – 06h00 as well as primary healthcare to be made compulsory.
The employer is only offering a 3.25% wage increment for 1 year, 3.5% for the 2nd year which will be implemented on the 1st of April 2026. Contract penalties to increase to R1500 for the 1st year and by R2000 for the 2nd year, night shift allowance to increase ATB for the 1st and 2nd year as well as tool allowance to increase ATB.
The union says that it has no choice but to take it to the streets, because sometimes the employer prefers to negotiate on the streets. SATAWU wants to emphasize that going on strike is not its priority especially during the Easter season where millions of South Africans would be travelling to their destinations throughout the season. However, the union says that it has mandate and responsibility to fight and to protect its own members and workers.
SATAWU says that it is going to start preparations of all the necessary processes and procedures leading to the strike. The is still open to go back to the table and negotiate with the employer. The management must be more meaningful and reasonable and respect workers, until then the strike will go ahead.’
Issued by SATAWU, Headquarters
Head of Communications
Amanda Tshemese – 062 945 7217