ORGANISED LABOUR DECLARES A WAGE DISPUTE WITH SARPBAC

[Rea Molopyane]

 

ORGANISED LABOUR DECLARES A WAGE DISPUTE WITH SARPBAC

12 April  2012

 

Wage talks between organised labour namely SATAWU & TOWU and the employer South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBAC)  have deadlocked once again. A dispute was declared in the 2012 -2013 wage negotiations between the aforementioned parties on Wednesday 29^th February 2012

 

The issue in dispute was the across the board wage increase with the employer offering 7 % whereas organised labour demanded 9% . A mediator’s settlement proposal of an 8% wage increase across the baord was made to both parties.

 

Both the employers and organised labour will meet with the mediator today 12 April, 2012 at 13h00 to try and break the current deadlock. “We remain optimistic that the employer will come to their senses and present us with an offer worth taking back to our members. At this time of poverty and unemployment , giving workers 7 % seems to be an audacious and impudent thing to do.” said Assaria Mataboge,Passenger Bus- National Sector Coordinator.

 

There is still a long way to go in the talks. Employers have not been open to new bargaining options. We need to be clear that better wage increase contribute to poverty alleviation and unemployment. It is clear that there is no equal distribution of income. Sadly, workers are losing out. Employers continue to be fixated about low wages. They have not realised that low wages is a serious impediment to faster growth and enhanced productivity.

 

 

Inquiries:

Assaria Mataboge National Sector Coordinator

Cell: 082 379 0927

Mamokgethi Rea Molopyane National Spokesperson

Cell: 082 395 0907