Last-minute hitch in Transnet deal

Johannesburg - The United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) said negotiations with Transnet had taken an "ugly twist" after they were informed they could not sign a wage offer on Thursday until the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) had indicated their position on the offer.

"What we thought could have been good news for South Africa has now been stopped. It is difficult to understand why management is refusing to meet us when we are ready to sign the agreement," said Utatu general secretary Chris de Vos.

"We worked right through the night to get a mandate. We said that at least half the workforce could come back tomorrow and we could have started clearing up the backlogs."

He said the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) told them they had to wait for Satawu to poll their own members.

A planned meeting for Thursday between unions and Transnet on a possible agreement has been rescheduled to 1pm on Friday to give Satawu more time, Transnet spokesperson John Dludlu said earlier.

De Vos said they had taken it for granted that they could sign an agreement on their own if they wanted to, and were disappointed by the message they received from the CCMA.

It also meant that their members would lose another day's pay.

"We do not believe that they have the interests of South Africa at heart," said De Vos, who had hoped to be able to sign the agreement at 4pm on Thursday and see workers back in their posts on Friday.

The strike began with Satawu on Monday May 10, and Utatu joined the strike after getting a mandate, the following day.

Transnet employs nearly 54 000 people. Satawu represents 39% and Utatu represents 45% of the workers.

Dludlu said he could not comment on De Vos's allegation as per agreement that nothing more would be said until Friday.

  - Sapa