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Transnet Raises Its Wage Offer to End Strike That’s Crippled South African Ports

Mining lobby sees action halting 75% of bulk mineral exports
Labor unions insist 7% increase in wages is ‘bare minimum’

A Transnet SOC Ltd. freight train in Mpumalanga, South Africa. — A Transnet SOC Ltd. freight train in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg

By

Paul Burkhardt and

S'thembile Cele

October 13, 2022, 5:55 AM UTCUpdated onOctober 13, 2022, 11:02 AM UTC

South African labor unions at the national ports and freight-rail operator rejected a revised wage offer and said they plan to intensify a strike that’s hobbling most of the nation’s mineral exports.

After talks with worker representatives, Transnet SOC Ltd. proposed raises of as much 5.3% over the next three years. Employees will only consider an increase of at least 7%, Carestone Damons, a member of the United National Transport Union’s bargaining team, said on Thursday.