Striking unions reject Transnet's latest' insulting' wage offer

Trade unions Untu and Satawu are demanding an increase of between 12 and 13.5% - while the company is offering between 4.5% and 5.3% for the next three years.

Satawu spokesperson Amanda Tshemes says their members want a double-digit increase.

READ: Transnet hikes wage offer as strike continues

"These people need to stop insulting us, in fact, they have been insulting and undermining workers for too long. It stops here and we are rejecting the so-called revised offer, we are not going to accept it.

"Our members have mandated us that we must push for double digits and that is what we are going to do. If the employer doesn't give us anything better than what they are currently giving us the strike is going to continue."

Meanwhile, Untu president Steven Lushabana says the union is still willing to negotiate.

"We are still open to further discussions. However, the strike will continue, and it will be intensified much more than it was before." 

Speaking at the Agri SA Congress in Pretoria on Thursday, Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza said government is deeply concerned.

"We are deeply concerned about the wage dispute at Transnet which carries a huge cost for agriculture, for all exports and for the broader economy." 

ALSO READ: Transnet strike will continue until we are satisfied – UNTU

"We are confident that all parties will be able to resolve this issue with the greatest urgency.

"We all know as Transnet, as unions, as a shareholder and as businesses that a protracted dispute will set back our efforts to restore our economy to growth and to create jobs and new business opportunities.

"We therefore urge that all parties act in the interest of our country."