Disruptions ‘unlikely’ as Transnet wage talks kick off

Transnet’s bi-annual wage negotiations are set to kick off early in February. “Port users are advised to be aware and to expect an increased number of union meetings taking place as wage negotiations kick off. We don’t foresee any problems or disruptions to service,” said a spokesman for the Port of Cape Town. Transnet has seen some major labour unrest in the past few years with massive strikes bringing port operations to a halt in some cases. According to Mike Walwyn, spokesman for the Port Liaison Forum, disruptions are unusual during the initial stages of wage negotiations. “The process usually runs very smoothly but it is imperative for the industry to keep track of the process and to monitor it as there can be problems when negotiations break down or terms are not met.”