Bombela keeps union in dark

GAUTRAIN: LIMITED SERVICES DURING WAGE STRIKE

Untu wants to see company’s books, especially bonuses paid to executives.

Untu represents 90% of Bombela staff and they went on strike for higher wages and benefits yesterday. Trains only ran during the peak period and only between the Centurion, Sandton and Park stations.

A bus service planned from Sandton and Rhodesfield to OR Tambo International Airport, but this was scaled down.

Untu members gathered at the Gautrain depot in Midrand where the police at one stage fired a few stun grenades at them.

Bombela, which could not be reached for comment, has refused to disclose its financial statements to the union.

Untu general secretary Steve Harris said they were demanding a 10% wage increase, but “remain blind as they have not given us insight into their financial position.

“BOC claims to be contractually bound to pay their profits to a French-owned company, but refuses to disclose what their profits are,” he said.

BOC offers an 8.5% wage increase. According to Untu deputy general Sonja Carstens, Gautrain conductors earn between R6 800 and R11 448 per month and train drivers between R14 448 and R23 754 per month.

Bombela staff get a housing allowance of R450 per month and transport allowance of R24 per month, which the union wants raised to R1 600 and R65 respectively.

The strike will continue until their demands are met or Untu members decide to return to work, Carstens said.