Johannesburg – The two-week wildcat strike at Putco that led to the suspension of bus services has ended after a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) facilitated “Section 150” process.
In a statement Tuesday, Putco said it was “pleased that workers have accepted a wage offer and will resume their duties following a 13-day unprotected strike action.”
About 1 000 staffers – bus drivers and technicians – went on an unprotected strike to press for a 6% wage increase and settlement of outstanding bonuses.
“Through a CCMA facilitated section 150 process, marathon meetings were held over the past three days between Putco and labour unions to find a solution to the impasse,” said Putco.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said together with other unions, they met with Putco management under the auspices of the CCMA on Tuesday to give a final response to the settlement proposal which was made by Putco management on Sunday.
Putco’s proposals, which were accepted by the unions included:
- All employees currently participating in the unprotected strike will cease the strike action and resume their normal duties.
- The company will implement a 6% wage increase on 1 October 2022 for all employees who were in service of Putco on 1 April 2020 and who are still in service at the conclusion of this agreement. The wage increase will not be backdated.
- This wage increase will not be applicable to employees who have already received the 6% increase as part of their wage adjustment in 2021 to comply with the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council
(SARPABC) minimums.
- The annual bonus for 2020 will be paid to all employees who qualified in terms of the SARPBAC 2020 Main Collective Agreement. The bonus will be paid over a period of 18 consecutive months commencing at the end of October 2022.
- A once-off amount of R5 000 (five thousand rand) per employee will be paid in two installments at the end of November 2022 and February 2023 in lieu of back pay for employees who were in service of the company on 1 April 2020.
- The company will now withdraw the application to the Labour Court to review the decision of the last Exemption Appeal Authority.
- Each of the five participating unions have agreed to sign a written undertaking that no member will participate in any unprotected strike action and that the prescribed dispute settlement procedures provided for in law and collective agreements will be followed to resolve any dispute.
- The dismissal of the 105 employees for misconduct during the unprotected strike in September 2022, will stand.
“However, these individuals will have the opportunity to lodge an internal appeal by no later than Friday 16 September 2022, should they elect to do so and union officials are allowed to represent their members,” said Putco.
“Putco condemns the acts of intimidation and incitement to violence which were displayed since 1 September 2022.
“Furthermore, the company apologises to our passengers, who have been adversely affected during this difficult time.”
The agreement brings an end to the disruption of services that left passengers stranded.
“NUMSA signed the settlement agreement today and workers will resume their duties as of today,” said Irvin Jim, NUMSA General Secretary.
