By Anita Dangazele
- The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union is demanding a 6.5% wage increase in year one and 7.5% in year two, but employers are offering far less.
- Algoa Bus Company in Nelson Mandela Bay says organised labour has called off the strike, with normal service resuming on Thursday.
Millions of South Africans could be left without a bus over Easter if a national strike goes ahead.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) declared a dispute on 18 February after wage talks with the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council broke down.
On 16 March, the bargaining council issued a certificate of non-resolution, starting a compulsory 30-day cooling-off period. If no deal is reached by then, SATAWU will give 48 hours’ notice before striking over Easter.
SATAWU wants 6.5% in year one and 7.5% in year two of a two-year deal starting 1 April 2026. It also wants better allowances and a compulsory primary healthcare benefit. Employers are offering 3.25% and 3.5%.
SATAWU Head of Communications Amanda Tshemese called the offer an insult to bus drivers.
“We regret to inform our members and workers that management did not table any revised offer,” Tshemese said.
“We are left with no choice but to take it to the streets until workers are respected,” she said.
In Nelson Mandela Bay, the Algoa Bus Company strike is over. Managing Director Douglas Govendor said on Wednesday that organised labour had called off the strike.
“Our normal service will resume from tomorrow morning, Thursday, 19 March 2026,” Govendor said.
Workers at Algoa Bus had walked out over a disputed disciplinary policy. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and SATAWU were all involved.
Algoa Bus is part of the bargaining council, which means it would still have to join any national strike. SATAWU says it is open to talks, but only if the next offer is meaningful and reasonable.
Pictured above: Buses.
Image source: Supplied
