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Strengthening Rail Worker Representation

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) plays a vital role in connecting communities and driving economic activity across the country. As the leading union representing rail workers, SATAWU is deeply embedded in the PRASA sector, advocating for fair labour practices, improved working conditions, and the safety of both employees and passengers.
Through collective bargaining, strategic campaigns, and grassroots mobilisation, SATAWU ensures that PRASA workers have a strong voice in shaping the future of South Africa’s public transport system. This page provides updates, leadership contacts, and resources for all PRASA employees who are part of the SATAWU family.

Core Areas of SATAWU’s Work in PRASA

SATAWU’s involvement in the PRASA sector focuses on four key areas: collective bargaining and representation, health and safety advocacy, skills development with a focus on equity, and worker mobilisation through strategic campaigns. These efforts aim to protect PRASA employees’ rights, improve working conditions, and strengthen their voice within South Africa’s rail industry.

Collective Bargaining & Labour Representation

SATAWU leads negotiations with PRASA management to secure fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions. The union also represents workers in disciplinary hearings, grievances, and disputes to ensure their rights are protected.

Campaigns & Worker Mobilisation

SATAWU organises strategic campaigns and mobilises PRASA workers around key issues such as transport safety, infrastructure investment, and public accountability. These efforts aim to strengthen worker solidarity and drive systemic change.

Skills Development & Equity

Through training initiatives and policy engagement, SATAWU promotes upskilling opportunities for PRASA employees. The union also champions gender equality and inclusivity, working to eliminate discrimination and empower underrepresented groups.

Health, Safety & Worker Wellbeing

SATAWU advocates for safe working environments across PRASA operations, pushing for compliance with occupational health standards, access to protective equipment, and mental health support for rail workers.

 

Unity is power. Joining SATAWU means standing with thousands of transport workers across South Africa to demand fairness, safety, and respect in the workplace.

SATAWU’s Impact

SATAWU successfully negotiated a 5.5% wage increase for PRASA employees for the 2025/2026 period. This agreement, reached through the CCMA, includes back pay and applies to both permanent and fixed-term contract workers. It also guarantees no retrenchments during the agreement period, protecting jobs across PRASA Rail, Technical, Corporate Office, and Long Distance Passenger Division.

Empowering PRASA Workers Through Union Strength

SATAWU is the trusted voice of PRASA workers nationwide. With decades of experience in transport sector unionism, we offer strong representation, expert negotiation, and unwavering support for rail employees. Our leadership understands the unique challenges of the PRASA environment and works tirelessly to secure fair treatment, safe workplaces, and long-term career growth for our members.
Choosing SATAWU means choosing a union that puts workers first — always.

Strong Representation

SATAWU negotiates directly with PRASA management to secure fair wages, protect jobs, and uphold worker rights. Our experienced negotiators ensure that your voice is heard at every level.

Safety & Support

We prioritise your wellbeing by advocating for safer working conditions, access to protective gear, and support systems for health and safety concerns across PRASA operations.

Growth & Solidarity

SATAWU promotes skills development, equal opportunities, and unity among workers. Through campaigns and mobilisation, we build collective strength to drive meaningful change in the rail sector.

Our Commitment to PRASA Workers

SATAWU is committed to defending the rights and dignity of every PRASA employee. We stand firm in our mission to secure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth within the rail sector. Our leadership works tirelessly to ensure that workers are heard, respected, and empowered — both on the job and in broader policy discussions.
We believe that strong unions build strong workplaces, and we remain dedicated to advancing the interests of PRASA workers through unity, action, and accountability.