Timeous consultation with unions forms part of new Transnet pact

Both agree restructuring is vital ALAN PEAT THE SERIES of regional Transnet strikes – which shut the Port of Durban for three days earlier this year, and over progressive weeks shut down other parts of the parastatal’s national transport network, particularly the rail commuter system, are now a memory of the past. This follows Transnet and the four labour unions, Sarwhu, Satawu, Uasa and Utatu, having agreed on May 15 to what they term “a common vision and a co-operative approach” to the Transnet group’s restructuring. The nine-month long dispute and the resultant labour protest action are therefore over, according to a joint Transnet/union release. The reason for the strike programme, the unions told FTW, was Transnet’s intention to sell off its non-core businesses. The unions, Satawu media liaison officer Ronnie Mamba told FTW, took serious exception to Transnet not negotiating any sort of workers’ rights guarantees with the labour bodies, and refusing to have any detailed discussions before its restructuring principle was put into play. According to the diplomat-speak blurb released by the two parties after their meeting, the management of Transnet and the leadership of the unions have now agreed that the restructuring is vital to ensure that Transnet can reduce the cost of doing business, invest in infrastructure and employee training and improve productivity. The deal is that: l The restructuring process must have clear timeframes for the disposal of non-core businesses l A framework with principles to govern the transfers has been agreed by the signatories; l Metrorail’s transfer to the SA Rail Commuter Corporation, the utility under the control of the department of transport, would be retrospectively effective from May 1 – and no employee will lose any benefits, including pensions and travel, as a result of the transfer; l The future of Autopax Passenger Services will be determined by minister of public enterprises, Alec Erwin, after consultation with labour. They have also agreed that unions “will be consulted timeously on strategic and operational issues to enable labour to communicate and consult with their members on issues that will impact on members”. Transnet and the labour bodies have also established a strategic leadership forum (SLF) led by Transnet CEO Maria Ramos – which will meet four times a year to discuss Transnet’s strategy.