Transnet announced a three-year deal with the United National Transport Union on Monday after a strike rocked rail and port capacity.
The deal includes a 6% increase in year one, a 5.5% increase in year two, and a 6% increase in year three.
Transnet said it would now shift its attention towards clearing backlogs.
Transnet announced on Monday that it had reached an agreement with the United National Transport Union (UNTU) for a three-year wage deal.
UNTU represents 54% of unionised employees at Transnet.
The deal will apply retrospectively from the first of April this year to the end of March 2025. The announced agreement includes a 6% increase in year one, a 5.5% increase in year two, and a 6% increase in year three.
The deal comes after a weeks-long strike at Transnet rocked operations at ports and disrupted exports and imports.
A Transnet statement said the deal with UNTU, the majority union, has the effect of ending the industrial action.
“Transnet and the company’s majority union UNTU reached a three-year wage agreement today, applicable for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025, in a process mediated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA). This ends the current industrial action by UNTU members with immediate effect,” the statement said.
Transnet said it would now shift its attention towards clearing backlogs that occurred across the port and rail system during the industrial action.
“The agreement, which applies to all bargaining unit employees including those who are not members of UNTU, is effective from 1 April 2022, and will be implemented from 1 October 2022,” the statement said.
The statement said the deal would also include an increase in the medical aid subsidy from 1 October and an increase in the housing allowance commencing from the year 2023/24 and 2024/25.
“The back-pay for the period 1 April to 30 September 2022 will be paid in two tranches – three months’ back-pay on 15 November 2022, and three months’ back-pay on 16 January 2023,” the statement said.
UNTU could not be immediately reached for comment.
Approached for comment, spokesperson for the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) Amanda Ntombela said the union had not seen Transnet’s statement and could not speak to its contents. Satawu has rejected Transnet’s most recent offer.
“As a union, we are focused on advancing our members’ interests. We have not seen a statement by Transnet,” said Ntombela.
BROADENING BUSINESS: The Border-Kei Chamber of Business launched its Export Training Program for women in business on 2 September PICTURE: SUPPLIED
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business is assisting local women-owned businesses to export their products to international markets.
The Women in Trade Export Readiness Programme, launched on September 2, will run for eight weeks, and is fully funded by the UK government and UK School of Export.
BKCOB is one of only three organisations on the African continent selected to administer this programme.
The participants were selected from identified sub- sectors of industry that have potential for export.
The categories include beauty and cosmetology, agriculture, wool, natural ingredients, speciality products, and health-related products.
Chairperson of the BKCOB women’s forum, Bonnie Currin, said it was impressive that strong candidates in the Border region could be immediately identified, with their products well beyond export standard.
Participants selected had to demonstrate a strong hold on the local market, with their products already established for two years or more.
Currin said given the success the participants have had in the local market, export opportunities would definitely yield results. Despite local economic challenges, their success was a testament to their resilience and business acumen.
“A lot of these businesses started as side hustles and over time have grown into local established brands,” she said.
“The maturity of their products shows they have what it takes. They understand success will come but it will take sacrifice now, especially because none of the businesses have experience in exporting.” Currin said the programme would have ripple effects through creating jobs and contributing to the economy.
Participant and co-owner of Ginger Love, Simone Klaasen, said: “I absolutely love the sessions, it’s been so exciting to meet different women from different fields and to be able to network. Lizelle Maurice is so knowledgeable and very helpful with all sessions.”
The East London’s premier entrepreneurial hub is upon us once again. In its 3rd consecutive year, The Business Leaders Growth Forum has shown exponential growth and has been a resounding success. This event serves as a platform to, among other aspects, support SMME growth, disseminate relevant information regarding current business trends, unearth potential economic growth of the Eastern Cape, as well as promote ethical and strategic leadership.
In the past, world renowned Vusi Thembekwayo and John Sanei have graced the stage of this most prestigious event as keynote speakers. This year’s line-up is just as acclaimed. The theme for the upcoming conference is Tech As An Enabler. The speakers have been carefully selected and their presentation content specifically fine-tuned for maximum impact.
Musa Kalenga, author, marketer and entrepreneur who was recognised by the Mail & Guardian as one of the Top 200 Young South Africans will deliver the keynote address. Musa is an outside-the-box thinker who is passionate about strategically utilising technology within communications and marketing to empower the digitally invisible. A published author of a book titled Ladders and Trampolines, in addition, Musa has written numerous online articles covering a wide variety of strategic business management topics.
Amongst other guest speakers is Vuyo Sikwebu. The only rose amongst the thorns, Vuyo is an MD at Clariter ZA. She will be sharing on the innovative solutions that Clariter have developed over the years towards addressing the global plastic waste problem through the use of technology.
The final must-see on the list is Bulelani Balabala. Widely known as “Mr Get Things Done”, Tembisa born and raised Bulelani’s can-do approach and unique focus on township entrepreneurship development and mentorship through Township Entrepreneurs Alliance has seen unparalleled success. Not only is he inspiring and mentoring the youth in the township, he also teaches them to use technology as an integral part of their business systems and practices. He has numerous accolades to his name, including that of Youth Ambassador in the Presidency. He currently has a slot as a broadcaster on Cliffcentral.com which follows the same thread of youth leadership and development in business. His energy is highly contagious and will leave you with renewed gusto to tackle everyday challenges of running a successful business.
“The Business Leaders Growth Forum is more than a meeting. It is a business platform that aims to bring together established and emerging entrepreneurs in a bid to share ideas, draw inspiration and create ongoing opportunities”, commented BLGF’s project leader and owner, Mangaliso Belle. “Each year we gain new attendees whilst affording delegates invaluable opportunities.”
The BGLF will be held on Friday, 27 March 2020 at the East London International Convention Centre. The event will commence promptly at 19h00 with E! People’s Choice Awards African Influencer of the Year (2019) and global businesswoman, Bonang Matheba as Master of Ceremonies and facilitator. The programme is set to finish at 22h00, followed by a networking after party.
Tickets are available online at webtickets for R550. Secure your spot early. Make sure not to miss this amazing event.
For more information, kindly visit www.ledukelife.co.za
Discussion on the latest decisions by the Constitutional Court and Labour Appeal Court that are dynamically shaping our labour law landscape.
Dear BKCOB Members
SASLAW is hosting a seminar on Thursday 1st August 2019, 17h30, at the East London Golf Club.
Jonathan Goldberg will be presenting this seminar. Jonathan is the CEO of Global Business Solutions and has been at the forefront of the changing labour law landscape over the past twenty years, leading negotiations at plant, industry and NEDLAC levels and assisting clients to navigate the dynamic regulatory environment.
SOUTH AFRICA’S RISE OR FALL – The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) is coming to your community. Come and listen to its CEO, Dr Frans Cronje, explain what you can expect over the next decade and how to survive it >> East London for Monday 8th July | Please rsvp directly to: nicholas@irr.org.za
INVITATION | EXPORTS SECTOR SPECIFIC TRAINING
27-31 May 2019 | East London
The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Export Helpdesk invites emerging and seasoned exporters to apply for Sector Specific Training. The focus will be on the Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Business Outsourcing and Services Sectors. The purpose of the training is to prepare companies for the successful expansion of their businesses into international markets.
Interested companies are required to complete and submit the Export Sector Specific Training assessment form, which will assist determine the appropriate level of training for each company.
The Training will combine the following topics namely:
1. Trade Agreements
2. How to Select Suitable Foreign Market
3. Financing Export Transactions and Financing Decision
4. Incoterms
Please note that companies must meet a minimum assessment score to be eligible to participate in the training. The Assessment form may be downloaded on www.ecdc.co.za
Marvilogix International with Mark Adams as facilitator of the training programme has a number of years’ experience in facilitating training on Export Development and has a wealth of experience in small, medium and micro enterprise development. Mark has been facilitating and developing Export Development Training for the Department of Trade and Industry, the Small Enterprise Development Agency and of course the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and has been consulting to the private sector on trading globally.
Closing date for submission is 22 May 2018.
Completed forms may be hand delivered @ ECDC Building, Ocean Terrace Park. Quigney, East London or forwarded via email to the following officials:
The Buffalo City Export Help Desk is an initiative of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation.
