LETTER: Government must handle Transnet strike decisively

Standing firm is probably the most prudent thing to do in the circumstances Transnet finds itself in (“Transnet CEO Portia Derby digs in her heels as SA counts cost of strike”, October 13).

To offer more than what has been offered would be setting oneself up for failure. On the other hand, the demand from the unions has not been in excess of normal inflationary demands. 

We can’t afford to leave this process to the negotiating parties any longer. Both parties are now set in their ways and their demands are cast in concrete. The law allows the government to step in terms of the Labour Relations Act and go beyond mediation.

We need compulsory arbitration immediately so the suffering can be kept to a minimum. Already we have lost in excess of R10bn to the economy. The only thing holding the government back is its fear of offending Cosatu.

Michael Bagraim, MP
DA shadow deputy employment & labour minister

JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.