Wage Dispute at Gautrain: NUMSA Urges Member Vote Amid Strike Threat

Johannesburg – A strike at Gautrain appears inevitable as talks between the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) management and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) have reached a deadlock over wage increases.

“Wage negotiations stalled on June 9, 2025, leading NUMSA to file a dispute with the CCMA, which was discussed yesterday,” stated NUMSA National Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

“Unfortunately, the parties failed to reach an agreement due to the firm position of the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) management, resulting in the issuance of a strike certificate.

“The BOC has declined to make a meaningful offer, suggesting only a 4.2% increase.”

Hlubi-Majola pointed out that mediation by a senior commissioner from the CCMA did not yield any positive results.

She confirmed that NUMSA has acquired a strike certificate from the CCMA following the deadlock with BOC.

Hlubi-Majola emphasized that NUMSA members are resolute in their demands at Gautrain, which include:

• 7% across-the-board wage increase
• Housing allowance of R1,600, an increase from R1,300
• Transport allowance of R150, up from R125
• Night Shift allowance of R50.00 per hour, up from R38 per hour
• KPI bonus of R15,000, currently R9,600

According to the Gautrain Management Agency, over 7.9 million people use the Gautrain.

The Gautrain boasts an average availability rate exceeding 95%, with punctuality also registering above 95%.

“This level of performance is attributed to our workers, especially NUMSA members, who ensure the train operates efficiently every day,” Hlubi-Majola commented.

“Thanks to our members’ dedication to achieving the company’s objectives, they received the ‘Best Rail Operator of the Year in Africa’ award for 2025.

“It is the workers who guarantee that commuters reach their destinations safely and on time.

“This cannot be achieved by executives in climate-controlled offices. 

“Therefore, the workers’ demands are fair, as they significantly contribute to the positive performance of the Gautrain.”

Furthermore, the rising cost of living has led to increases in basic essentials, such as food and electricity, Hlubi-Majola noted.

“This week, electricity rates increased by 12.5%, and fuel tariffs have also seen a rise,” she added.

“This adversely affects the price of goods, making them more expensive.

“Our members must advocate for wage increases that will help them manage these constant price surges.”

Hlubi-Majola indicated that ideally, NUMSA would prefer to avoid a strike, as workers also face challenges due to the no-work-no-pay policy.

“However, because of the obstinacy and arrogance of the BOC management, NUMSA has no choice but to encourage its members to vote in accordance with the Labour Relations Act, making a disruptive strike at Gautrain likely,” Hlubi-Majola highlighted.

“The management must take action.

“They need to present a meaningful proposal to prevent a complete service shutdown.”

She called on the Gautrain Management Authority and the Gauteng provincial government to intervene and pressure BOC management to offer a substantial proposal that NUMSA members can evaluate.