By Lungile Ntimba
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) is set to go on strike at the Gautrain following a following a deadlock in wage talks with the Bombela Operating Company (BOC), which manages the rail system.
“Wage negotiations deadlocked on the 9th of June 2025 and Numsa filed a dispute with the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) which was heard yesterday,” Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said in a statement
“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.”
She said the BOC management failed to present a meaningful offer, only proposing a 4.2% increase, and that CCMA facilitation led by a senior commissioner did not produce any positive outcome.
Numsa members are sticking to their demands, which include a 7% wage increase across the board, an increase in the housing allowance from R1,300 to R1,600, a rise in the transport allowance from R125 to R150, an increase in the night shift allowance from R38 to R50 per hour, and a boost in the KPI bonus from R9,600 to R15,000.
At least 7.9 million people use the Gautrain, and according to the Gautrain Management Agency, it boasts an average availability rate of over 95% and a punctuality rate above 95%.
“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,” said Hlubi-Majola.
“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.”
The union highlighted the rising cost of living as a key reason for its wage demands, noting the recent 12.5% electricity increase and fuel price hikes.
Hlubi-Majola said the union would prefer to avoid a strike as workers would also suffer under the no work, no pay policy.
However, she added that due to what Numsa described as the arrogance and stubbornness of BOC management, members have no choice but to demand increases that would help them cope with daily cost of living pressures.
“The ball is in the court of management. They need to make a meaningful offer to prevent a total shut down of services,” she said.
Numsa called on the Gautrain management authority and the provincial government to intervene and apply pressure on the BOC management to present a meaningful offer on the table for members to consider.