No end in sight to Teti Traffic strike

Teti Traffic workers contracted to the SA National Roads Agency will have to wait until May 13 for a resolution to their salary dispute.

Johannesburg - Teti Traffic workers contracted to the SA National Roads Agency will have to wait until May 13 for a resolution to their salary dispute.

The employees whose strike over wages entered a second day today have vowed to continue with the action until their demands are met.

Talks between the union and the company’s management at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) were halted after the employer’s representatives claimed not to have a mandate from their bosses.

SA Transport Workers’ Union spokesperson, Zanele Sabela, said they were disappointed that an agreement has not been reached.

“The employer came unprepared, which is surprising as they are the ones that asked to continue discussions at the CCMA,”said Sabela.

She explained that Satawu’s negotiators made “huge” concessions in lowering their demands and were instead told that the company’s director was not available.

“We will now be happy if they give us a 12% across the board increase, will give them until January 2017 to set up a Provident Fund and we are willing to continue discussions for medical aid,” she added

Meanwhile, Teti Traffic spokesperson Perumel Pillay reiterated the company’s offer of 7%.

“We have decided that we will go back to the drawing board and we will meet on May 13,” Pillay said.

Workers were informed by Satawu representatives on the latest offer.

The union’s Gauteng provincial secretary, Gift Ndwandwe, said they are preparing to open a case against SA Police Service for injuries caused to protestors during clashes with the police on Tuesday.

Eight workers were were injured while protesting on the N1 in Midrand and others arrested.

Labour Bureau