Wage Deadlock Could Disrupt Easter Travel as Satawu Threatens Strike

A looming strike by the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) could throw Easter weekend travel plans into chaos, following a breakdown in wage negotiations with employers in the passenger transport sector.

The union confirmed that a certificate of non-resolution has been issued after talks at the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council failed to produce an agreement. This effectively clears the way for protected strike action once procedural requirements are met.

Satawu spokesperson Amanda Tshemese said the union had been left with no option but to consider protest action after employers failed to table an improved offer.

“We met with the employer and commissioner for conciliation, but management did not present any revised offer. This is an insult to workers who are already underpaid and struggling,” she said.

The union is demanding a two-year wage agreement starting from 1 April 2026. Among its key demands are a 6.5% wage increase in the first year and 7.5% in the second year, along with adjustments to allowances. These include an R800 increase for double driver allowance and a private hire allowance ranging from R500 to R900 depending on distance. Satawu is also pushing for defined night shift hours between 18h00 and 06h00, as well as access to primary healthcare.

On the other side, employers have tabled a significantly lower offer of 3.25% for the first year and 3.5% for the second year. Additional proposals include increases in contract penalties and the introduction of night shift and tool allowances.

Tshemese warned that while a 30-day cooling-off period is currently in effect, the union will issue a 48-hour strike notice once that period lapses.

“If the employer wants to meet our demands on the streets, we are ready,” she said.

She acknowledged the timing of the potential strike, noting that it may coincide with the busy Easter travel period, but insisted workers had been pushed to this point.

Motorists and commuters are advised to monitor developments closely, as any industrial action in the bus sector could have a ripple effect across the country’s transport network during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.