Bus strike looms over Easter weekend as wage talks deadlock

Bus drivers affiliated with the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) could go on strike over the Easter weekend after wage negotiations with the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBC) reached a deadlock. Satawu spokesperson Amanda Tshemese said the union met with employers and the commissioner for the conciliation process earlier this week, following a meeting in February where the union declared a dispute with the employer for failing to meet its demands. “We regret to inform our members and workers that the management did not table any revised offer,” she said.

Tshemese said the offer management had tabled was insulting, as bus drivers are already underpaid, under attack, and struggling. The union is demanding a two-year wage agreement to be implemented from April 1. For 2026, the union is requesting a 6.5% wage increase across the board, an R800 adjustment for the double driver allowance, the establishment of a private hire allowance, and R500 per day (for trips of 100km or less) and R900 per day (for trips exceeding 100km).

For the second year, the union wants a 7.5% wage increment across the board, hours to be set in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) from 18H00-06:00, and compulsory primary healthcare. Tshemese said the employer’s current offer included only a 3.25% wage increase for this year and a 3.5% for 2027. She said the offer from various employers prompted the union to issue a certificate of non-resolution. If the employer wants to meet our demands on the streets, we are ready.”