Five bus companies, including Golden Arrow and Putco, have applied to be excluded from complying with the recently signed bus sector wage agreement, a move that could result in labour unrest. They have cited financial difficulties, angering labour, with the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) saying the move undermines collective bargaining. Labour laws allow companies to apply for exemption to collective bargaining agreements provided they can prove their inability to meet the conditions set therein. The bus sector wage agreement was reached two months ago after a 26-day strike by workers. If the bus companies succeed, about 19,000 employees could see their wages stagnate. Under the deal, workers will receive a 9% wage increase for 2018 and 8% for 2019. Although Golden Arrow has paid workers the 9% increase this year, it has, according to Satawu, applied to be exempted from paying the 8% in 2019. The move by the employers also follows the South African Road Pa...
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