Government ministers have stepped up to try and put an  end to the Transnet strike. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi and Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza are in talks with unions and the Transnet board.The three ministers are concerned about the negative impact the ongoing strike has on the economy.

ECONOMY RUNNING AT A LOSS

They say the sooner the resolution the better because millions are being lost daily. In a statement, they said, "Government understands that our labour relations regime allows for Labour to exercise their right to strike and picket within the limits of the law. However, Government reiterates its view that the right of workers to picket and strike must not be marred by violence and destruction of property. We appreciate the constructive engagements we have had with the unions. Equally, we acknowledge the offers of industry to assist where they can. Government commends the work of the Department of Labour and the CCMA in assisting the two parties to finalize picketing rules."

DEMANDS GO DOWN

On Tuesday Transnet raised its wage offer to 4.5% from 3-4% previously, with additional 5.3% annual increases over the next two years. It also offered a 4.5% increase in medical insurance allowances this year.However,  the United National Transport Union (UNTU) and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), which represents majority of the workers rejected the offer and vowed to continue with their strike. In a statement, SATAWU said it was not pleased with the offer and cannot accept it. "SATAWU is going to intensify the strike on the streets until the employer does the right thing, the unions had tabled demands for an increase that would be related to South Africa's annual inflation rate, which was 7.6% in August." The two unions entered the negotiations seeking increases of between 12% and 13.5% and have indicated on several occasions that at they would not accept anything below inflation and were also not willing to contemplate a three-year offer.But it seems the intervention from the ministers is yielding some kind of results as Didiza indicated that there is some progress as unions have lowered their demands but would not go into detail.