The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) wishes to update workers and the public on the ongoing wage negotiations within the Passenger Sector (Bus Drivers) at the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBC).
On 18 February 2026, SATAWU formally declared a dispute after employer parties failed to respond meaningfully to the union’s demands. Yesterday, the union participated in the conciliation session with the employer and the appointed commissioner.
Regrettably, the employer once again failed to table any revised or improved offer. This conduct is not only disappointing but also an insult to labour, particularly to Bus Drivers who continue to endure low wages, unsafe working conditions, and increasing pressures while transporting the nation daily.
SATAWU’s Demands
Year 1 – Effective 1 April 2026
- A two‑year wage agreement
- 6.5% across‑the‑board wage increase
- R800 increase in the Double Driver allowance
- Introduction of a Private Hire Allowance:
- R500 per day for round-trip trips of 100 km or less
- R900 per day for round-trip trips exceeding 100 km
Year 2
- 7.5% across‑the‑board wage increase
- Working hours aligned with BCEA night‑work provisions (18h00–06h00)
- Compulsory primary healthcare for all workers in the sector
Employer’s Offer
The employer is currently offering the following:
- 3.25% wage increase for Year 1
- 3.5% wage increase for Year 2
- Implementation from 1 April 2026
- Contract penalty increases:
- R1 500 in Year 1
- Additional R2 000 in Year 2
- Night shift allowance to increase across the board for both years
- Tool allowance to increase across the board
This offer falls far short of addressing the economic realities faced by Bus Drivers, including inflation, rising living costs, and the job’s growing demands.
Conciliation Outcome and Way Forward
A certificate of non‑resolution was issued on 16 March 2026, confirming that the parties failed to reach an agreement during conciliation. This now opens the way for protected industrial action once all legal processes have been followed.
SATAWU will observe the mandatory 30‑day cooling‑off period, after which the union will issue a 48‑hour strike notice should the employer continue to refuse meaningful engagement.
We emphasise that SATAWU remains fully prepared:
If the employer wishes to meet our demands on the streets, workers are ready.
Our demands are legitimate, fair, and necessary to restore dignity and economic justice for bus drivers nationwide.
While we recognise that a strike during the Easter Weekend may inconvenience millions of South Africans, it is the employers’ refusal to negotiate in good faith that has brought the industry to this point. Workers cannot continue to subsidise the sector with their poverty wages and sacrifices.
Nonetheless, SATAWU remains open to returning to the negotiating table — but only if the employer tables a revised, reasonable, and substantive offer.
We will continue to keep workers informed as developments unfold.
ISSUED BY: SATAWU HEADQUARTERS
Head of Communications:
Amanda Tshemese
062 945 7217
