The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has been granted a certificate to strike by
the CCMA, after it deadlocked with employers of the Bombela Operating Company (BOC)
which manages the Gautrain.
Wage negotiations deadlocked on the 9th of June 2025 and NUMSA filed a dispute with the CCMA which was heard yesterday. Unfortunately, parties were still unable to find one another due to the arrogance of the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) management which has resulted in a certificate to strike being issued.
The BOC refuses to put a meaningful offer on the table and they have only offered 4.2% increase. Unfortunately the CCMA facilitation by a senior commissioner did not yield any positive results.
Our members are adamant and resolute in their demands at Gautrain which are as follows;
- 7% across the board wage increase
- Housing allowance of R1600, it is currently R1300.
- Transport allowance of R150, it is currently R 125.
- Night Shift allowance of R50.00 per hour, it is currently R38 per hour.
- KPI bonus of R15 000, it is currently R9600.
At least 7.9 million people use the Gautrain and according to the Gautrain Management
Agency, Gautrain boasts an average availability rate which is over 95% and punctuality is
above 95%. This rate of performance is as a result of workers, specifically NUMSA members
who ensure that the train runs optimally and efficiently every day. It is as a result of our
members’ direct efforts of working hard to meet the company’s set goals and targets that the
company obtained the coveted title of “Best Rail operator of the Year in Africa” for the year 2025.
It is workers who put in the effort to make sure that commuters are able to reach their
destinations safely and on time. This cannot be achieved by executives in air conditioned
offices.
At least 7.9 million people use the Gautrain and according to the Gautrain Management Agency, Gautrain boasts an average availability rate which is over 95% and punctuality is above 95%. This rate of performance is as a result of workers, specifically NUMSA members who ensure that the train runs optimally and efficiently every day. It is as a result of our members’ direct efforts of working hard to meet the company’s set goals and targets that the company obtained the coveted title of “Best Rail operator of the Year in Africa” for the year 2025.
It is workers who put in the effort to make sure that commuters are able to reach their destinations safely and on time. This cannot be achieved by executives in air conditioned offices.
Therefore, the demands workers are making is fair, because they are contributing to the positive performance of the Gautrain. Furthermore, the cost of living crisis has resulted in all basic needs like food and electricity increasing. This week electricity went up by 12.5%, and the fuel tariffs have just been adjusted up. This has a negative impact on the price of goods because it means that goods and
consumables are more expensive. Our members have no choice but to demand increases that are going to mitigate them against these hikes that affect them daily.
Ideally we would like to avoid a strike because workers also suffer due to the no work no pay policy, however due to the arrogance and stubbornness of the BOC management, NUMSA has no choice but to call on its members to ballot in terms of the Labour Relations Act and the possibility of a crippling strike is imminent for Gautrain.
The ball is in the court of management. They need to make a meaningful offer to prevent a total shut down of services.
NUMSA further calls on the Gautrain Management Authority and the Gauteng provincial government to intervene and apply pressure on the BOC management to come to the party and put a meaningful offer on the table for our members to consider.
For more information, please contact:
Phakamile Hlubi-Majola
NUMSA National Spokesperson
0833767725
phakamileh@numsa.org.za
NUMSA Head Office number: 0116891700
NUMSA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NumsaSocial
NUMSA Twitter account: @Numsa_Media
NUMSA Website: https://numsa.org.za/