Pretoria - Mediation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) into the Transnet and unions pay dispute has failed, the transport parastatal said on Monday.
"Transnet confirms that attempts by the CCMA to resolve the wage dispute with Satawu and Utatu, the recognised trade unions, have failed," Transnet spokesperson John Dludlu said.
This after mediation began last week in a bid to end the now week-long strike over wages.
Satawu workers downed tools last week Monday after rejecting a second offer of 11 percent increase across the board from the transport parastatal. Utatu joined the protest action on Wednesday.
"The company has made a fair and generous offer of 11 percent increase on all pensionable earnings. The offer, which also provides for above-inflation increases in a range of allowances and benefits, is within the limits of affordability and reasonableness.
"As a publicly-owned entity, Transnet will continue to act responsibly in the interests of its employees, customers and indeed South Africa," said Dludlu.
In a joint statement, the two unions said the strike is set to intensify "with no resolution in sight".
"Management effectively walked away from any negotiated settlement yesterday after stating an unwillingness to budge on any item of money substance," said the unions.
