Gautrain Faces Turbulence: Numsa Threatens Strike Over Stalled Wage Talks

Workers say they power the trains, but feel shortchanged, will commuters pay the price?

Gauteng’s slick golden train system, the Gautrain, could soon grind to a halt, not because of faulty tracks or power outages, but because of people. The people who get up before dawn, who ensure the trains run on time, who serve as the backbone of the province’s premium rail system.

This week, those workers represented by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) signaled they might down tools. After wage negotiations with the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) broke down, Numsa was granted a certificate to strike by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

Wage Deadlock: 4.2% vs 6%

The battle lines are clear. BOC, which manages day-to-day Gautrain operations, has put a final offer on the table: a 4.2% wage increase. Numsa wants 6%, citing not only the rising cost of living, but also what they say is the train’s smooth performance, thanks largely to their members.

Negotiations stalled on June 9. A CCMA mediation on July 1 failed to break the impasse.

Numsa’s spokesperson did not mince words: “We would like to avoid a strike. But due to the arrogance and stubbornness of BOC, we are left with no choice. A crippling strike is now a real possibility.”

BOC Stands Firm And Plans Ahead

BOC insists it’s offered a fair deal and remains committed to reaching a resolution “in good faith.” It has also assured commuters that it has contingency plans in place to keep services running even if workers walk out.

“The safety and convenience of passengers remain our top priority,” BOC said in a statement, likely aiming to preempt panic among Gauteng’s weekday commuters.

But many riders on social media aren’t convinced. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:
“Just when I thought load shedding was the only problem—now I must plan for train shedding?”
Another commuter quipped: “Numsa wants 6%, but I want a train to Sandton that’s not standing still. Can someone negotiate for me?”

The Bigger Picture: Cost of Living and Worker Value

Beneath the percentages lies a much deeper frustration. South Africans are grappling with high food prices, rent spikes, and electricity hikes. Public sector workers and unions across industries are feeling the pinch—and they’re pushing back.

For Numsa, this isn’t just about inflation. It’s about dignity.

“Our members are the reason the Gautrain runs like clockwork,” the union said. “Their contribution should be reflected in their pay, especially in a time of economic hardship.”

A Call for Government to Step In

Numsa has appealed to the Gautrain Management Agency and the Gauteng provincial government to intervene before the strike materialises. While both institutions have yet to weigh in publicly, pressure is building for some form of mediation before commuters become collateral damage.

What Happens Next?

Numsa is preparing to ballot its members in line with the Labour Relations Act. If the majority vote in favour of a strike, Gauteng’s morning and evening rush hour could look very different.

For now, it’s a waiting game. A countdown without a clock.

But one thing is clear, without the people behind the scenes, even the province’s most high-tech transport system is vulnerable to stalling.

Commuters, stay tuned. And maybe start planning a Plan B.

{Source: Engineering News}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com