Latest news with #VanVuuren
Daily Maverick
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Transnet secures three-year wage agreement with union, promoting stability and growth for workers
After lengthy talks Transnet settled wage negotiations with the United National Transport Union last week. The settlement is for three years and will see workers paid 6% increases annually, including on housing and medical allowances. Transnet has confirmed that it has concluded a wage agreement with the United National Transport Union (Untu) that will be valid for the next three years. Under this agreement workers will receive an annual increase of 6% for the next three years. Untu secretary-general Cobus van Vuuren said the salary increase agreement reflected the power of collective bargaining in improving the conditions of the working class. 'The three-year agreement also ensures much-needed labour stability during a critical period as Transnet works to rebuild its operations, restore service reliability, and regain stakeholder confidence. As the majority union representing the voices of more than 26,000 employees at Transnet, Untu confirms that this newly signed agreement supersedes the previous agreement signed between Transnet and the minority union Satawu,' he said. Earlier in the negotiations the two unions were unable to present Transnet with a joint salary demand. Van Vuuren said the new salary increase agreement between Untu and Transnet placed a strong emphasis on job security by including a firm non-mandatory retrenchment clause, which was one of the key demands tabled by Untu throughout the negotiations process. The agreement provides for a 6% annual increase and a 6% increase for housing allowances and medical subsidies. 'Untu acknowledges the role of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration as the highest dispute resolution body, which intervened to avert industrial action that would have derailed Transnet's recovery and turnaround plan and collapsed an already fragile South African economy,' Van Vuuren said. Transnet said the finalisation of the three-year wage agreement provided labour stability. This, Transnet said, 'will enable the company to focus on its immediate strategic priorities of improving operational and financial performance, while positioning the organisation for future growth, thereby ensuring job security and economic growth'. DM
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hazyview Dojo wins seven medals at national karate championships
The highly prepared team of the Hazyview Dojo brought home seven medals from the National Championships recently held in Boksburg. Head of the dojo, Sensei Sandra van Vuuren, said she is proud of her team. ALSO READ: Hazyview Karate Dojo hosts first successful competition of the year 'We were prepared to ensure we bring medals as we are aware that we represent the entire Hazyview community. I wish to thank my players for their dedication and bringing the medals home. I know that all of them wanted to win gold, but managing silver and bronze, is a big win as well,' she said. ALSO READ: Hazyview Shotokan Karate Dojo more than ready for the new year Van Vuuren told Hazyview Herald that those who did not win any medals learnt a lot and are motivated to work even harder. 'We have a strong team. I have no doubt that in the future we will bring home even more medals,' she said. According to her, the Hazyview Dojo will continue to support their karatekas, training them for the next local games. She also said the dojo's door is always open to locals who wish to join or just to find out more about karate. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
UNTU prepares for possible strike as Transnet wage negotiations reach deadlock
Transnet's workers unions United National Transport Union (UNTU) confirmed on Friday that the three-day S150 Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) process on Transnet salary/wage 2025/26 impasse remains in deadlock after three days. Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers Transnet's ongoing wage negotiations have reached an impasse, confirming fears of looming industrial action by workers as the United National Transport Union (UNTU) made a clear statement on Friday. After three days of mediation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) through the section 150 of the Labour Relations Act, UNTU reported that no progress had been made, compelling them to consider striking if their demands remained unmet. On Thursday, UNTU completed a ballot process with its members that disclosed a consensus to mobilise for industrial action should the wage negotiations fail. The union said the CCMA has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday. 'If no revised offer is forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action,' it said in a statement. UNTU general secretary, Cobus van Vuuren, said the majority of ballots cast by the majority union's members was in favour of taking to the streets to demand a wage increment that reflected the deepening economic crisis facing Transnet employees and job security. Van Vuuren said the three-day S150 CCMA intervention facilitated by two senior commissioners failed to break the Transnet salary/wage 2025/26 impasse; therefore, the status quo remained in terms of this deadlock. 'The proceedings spanning over three days concluded on Thursday, without the parties reaching consensus on a revised salary/wage increase offer. UNTU participated in the S150 process in good faith, fully committed to securing a fair and sustainable outcome amid the rising cost of living and the ongoing operational and structural challenges facing Transnet,' he said. UNTU is demanding a 10% wage increase for 2025/26, a R2 500 housing allowance, R2 500 medical aid allowance, and the removal of a cap on overtime from Transnet. The union has also rejected a proposed wage increase of 6% over two years and 5.5% in the third year. Van Vuuren said that throughout the process, UNTU tabled a variety of salary/wage proposals for Transnet's consideration. 'We are confident we are in line with the economic and financial pressures facing our members, with a high emphasis on job security while at the same time paying due cognisance to the challenges Transnet faces. The proposals, which UNTU presented, cannot be disclosed at this time due to the confidential nature of the S150 process,' he said. 'We had hoped that Transnet and its mandate-givers would seriously consider these proposals, particularly given the potential economic impact of industrial action and the value of securing a longer-term agreement securing labour peace during this critical time in Transnet's turnaround into a sustainable self-funded entity.' Van Vuuren said that the resolution of the deadlock now rested with the CCMA, which he said has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday. 'Should no revised offer be forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action. This could potentially result in industrial action commencing on Thursday, 22 May 2025, in line with the overwhelming mandate secured from its members,' he said. 'UNTU has made the necessary logistical preparations to ensure our readiness for industrial action. If a revised offer is received, UNTU will initiate a structured mandating process to determine if our members accept or reject the tabled revised salary/wage offer.' The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has backed UNTU as its affiliate in the wage negotiations with Transnet. 'Should the intervention by the CCMA fail and UNTU members find themselves compelled to embark on industrial action to secure fair wages, Fedusa will support them,' said the federation.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
CCMA proposes settlement to resolve UNTU and Transnet wage impasse
The United National Transport Union (UNTU) confirmed on Wednesday that Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process between the union and Transnet have tabled a formal Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the ongoing salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet. 'On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the CCMA convened another facilitation session at the Transnet Bargaining Council and invited all the affected parties, including UNTU, Transnet, and SATAWU. The CCMA engaged parties separately, a decision we commend, as UNTU and Transnet remain the sole parties to the declared Dispute of Mutual Interest,' added Van Vuuren. UNTU General Secretary, Cobus van Vuuren said that after a lengthy and challenging round of wage negotiations for the 2025/26 period, UNTU confirms that the CCMA Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process have tabled a formal Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet. The United National Transport Union (UNTU) confirmed on Wednesday that Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process between the union and Transnet have tabled a formal Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the ongoing salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet. Transnet also confirmed that discussions are still ongoing. Van Vuuren said that the Commissioners' Proposal represents a final effort to avert protected industrial action by UNTU. 'The proposal has been shared with all parties for consideration. UNTU's Executive Council has met to determine the next steps, and a formal mandating process in terms of the Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement is now underway. Members will decide whether to accept or reject the proposal. Should it be rejected, UNTU reserves the right to initiate protected industrial action in line with the Labour Relations Act (LRA).' Van Vuuren said the proposal must also be considered by Transnet, and all parties are expected to respond to the CCMA by June 10, 2025. 'This development reflects the resilience and commitment of UNTU's negotiating defending members' rights to fair wage increases and job security, especially amid growing private sector interest in Transnet, one of South Africa's most important strategic assets.' Van Vuuren said that history will judge those who stood idle while UNTU pursued every legal avenue available to protect workers' job security amid the economic crisis facing the working class of South Africa. In response to a query, Transnet said they continue to participate in the conciliation process led by the CCMA to resolve the current wage dispute. 'The parties met on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 to continue with the discussions to resolve the dispute and will reconvene by 10 June 2025..' Visit:
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
How to protect the appliances that power your life
Now that load shedding rears it ugly head again, consumers have to ensure that they protect their appliances against power surges. If you ever wonder how you would get through life without the appliances in your house, you will know how important it is to protect them. The most expensive fridge in South Africa costs a whopping R1 million, while a top-of-the-range TV could set you back even more. However, for most of us, the total value of every single household appliance we own does not even come close to this figure. ALSO READ: Power surges and insurance: How to deal with the other load shedding monsters But this does not mean that we can do without them and should not take every precaution when it comes to protecting them, Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance, says. 'Protecting our fridges, TVs and other appliances from power surges and the effects of wear and tear will help to ensure that they continue to work for years to come.' Van Vuuren warns that power surges can damage sensitive electronic components like circuit boards and processors, causing appliances to stop working altogether. Power surges are sudden spikes in electrical voltage when the power supply to your home is suddenly interrupted or switched back on, or if lightning strikes. Best way to protect your appliances against power surges The best way to help prevent power surge damage is to install a surge protection device on your home's electrical distribution board (DB), he says. 'Using one device to protect everything that has a plug makes much more sense than buying separate adapters for each plug point. Because it covers all the phases and is always on, DB surge protection removes 'user error' from the equation and will likely also work out to be more cost-effective.' Van Vuuren says when choosing power surge protection for your DB, look for a SABS-approved device and have it fitted by a qualified electrician who can provide you with a certificate of compliance. ALSO READ: Load shedding can destroy your appliances – here's how to avoid it If you want to buy a new appliance, it is important to balance quality with affordability, he says. 'Some of the less expensive brands only offer guarantees or warranties for short periods of time and there may be no technical support if some of the parts fail. He points out that there are things you can do to prevent damage from wear and tear and extend the lifespan of the appliances you already have. 'Washing machines and dishwashers will benefit from being serviced regularly and keeping their filters and water connections clean. Why maintenance of your appliances is also important 'Most of the claims for household appliances that King Price sees are for fridges and while these cannot be serviced, keeping them clean, topping up the gas and defrosting them when necessary and dusting behind them regularly will help to keep them working efficiently for longer.' Van Vuuren notes that insurers generally do not cover damage due to wear and tear and therefore regular maintenance is critical. Insurers also do not cover damage that is the result of grid interruption, making protection at the DB board a very wise move. 'Ask your insurer if it has the option of adding cover for power surge damage due to loadshedding. Most home contents policies cover lightning damage. We advise all consumers to check their policy schedules to confirm whether they have this cover and also to check their policy documents to understand the difference between 'grid interruption' and 'loadshedding'.'
