Rail operators condemn lack of consultation over rate hike

ALAN PEAT ANOTHER CASE of Spoornet shooting off fuel levy rockets without any pre-communication with the industry is under fire. In this instance, it’s a bland missive from Sibusiso Gumede, portfolio business manager for sales and marketing, informing the member companies of the Container Rail Operators’ Forum (Crof) that – with the latest increase – the price of diesel has been upped by 27 cents a litre, above the railways’ 25c/l threshold. Upward adjustment That in turn will result in an upward adjustment of all rail rates with an energy levy – which will be reflected as a separate entry on customers’ accounts. “It’s the same as the last time,” complained Crof chairman Peter Lewin, director of MSC Depots. “A carbon-copy. “No communication with the industry until it’s fait accompli; no warning; no notice period to allow us to inform our customers of the added charge; no time for us to adjust.” It’s a clear signal that shows that Spoornet has no intention of working with the forum or industry, according to Lewin. “How do you think our clients react?” Lewin asked. “They see how Spoornet deals so perfunctorily with its customers, and are left wondering just what they could get hit with next. “The way it’s done doesn’t show any good faith in business practice.” Crof had arranged a meeting with Spoornet in Johannesburg last week, at which “collaboration and communication” were at the top of the agenda for the industry body. It’s an appeal which was made soon after Crof was founded, according to Lewin, and which – at one early meeting – was strongly supported as a principle by Spoornet CE, Siyabonga Gama. It’s a principle that has never been put into practice, Lewin added, but one for which Crof intends to continue fighting.