The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has secured a “transport allowance” for its members employed by Areyeng BRT Bus Service in Tshwane.
Jerry Morulane, NUMSA Regional Secretary Hlanganani, said Friday that the union had “signed an agreement with Xtremetec, and Tshwane Affected Investment Operation (TAIO) for workers to receive Transport allowance and other benefits”.
These agencies offer services to the City of Tshwane’s Areyeng BRT Bus service.
Workers at Xtremetec went on strike on 11 May to demand an increase in transport allowance.
On 13 May, workers from all three agencies, including Tshwane Rapid Transit (TRT) joined in a protest on the streets of the CBD, for the same demand.
“However, we can confirm that we have settled the strike at Xtremetec,” said Morulane.
“At the same time, the threat of a total shutdown of the Areyeng Bus services for the City of Tshwane next week, has now been averted.”
NUMSA said the settlement with Xtremetec includes a transport allowance of R900 per month – up from R600 and for the first time workers will receive a night shift allowance of R20 per hour.
“Workers did not have medical aid but now we have secured a medical aid contribution from the employer of 30%. This will increase by 8% in 2023,” said Morulane.
“We have secured an increase in annual leave for those employees who have been at the company for more than two years and family responsibility leave is five days.
“Before, workers did not have study leave. Now in terms of the agreement, they do and it is 10 days per annum for approved courses.
“We have secured an annual bonus for all employees and it will ensure that if any worker is terminated for operational reasons they will qualify for a pro-rata bonus payment.”
Morulane said for the first time workers will receive a long service benefit where they will receive a cash payout after five years.
The only demand at TAIO was for transport allowance.
“We are pleased to confirm that we have signed an agreement with the agency confirming that all employees will now receive a transport allowance of R900,” said Morulane.
However, NUMSA said TRT Tshwane Rapid Transit did not want to engage us at all.
Workers at TRT are demanding an increase in the transport allowance.
They are receiving R1 100 per month- an amount that has not changed since 2014.
“We will engage TRT separately at CCMA because the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council is refusing to assist us to resolve this issue,” said Morulane.
“We are proud of the work that NUMSA officials have done in negotiating these agreements with the employer and for securing these progressive gains to improve the conditions of work.
“We will continue to fight to improve workers’ benefits.”
