The outcome of these discussions will determine the next chapter in an escalating standoff threatening public transport services nationwide.

At the heart of the dispute are the demands of PRASA's workers, represented by the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union and the United National Transport Union (UNTU).

Workers are calling for a substantial 15% wage increase for the 2025-26 financial year, a demand the unions say is long overdue given stagnant wage growth in recent years. PRASA, however, has countered with a significantly lower offer of 5%, leading to accusations of bad-faith negotiations by the unions.

UNTU Spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie issued a stern warning regarding the potential fallout. "PRASA employees, especially UNTU members, are ready to take to the streets. PRASA’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiation has left workers feeling undervalued, especially after years of receiving only five per cent increases. If they continue to reject labour’s call to the negotiation table, we are prepared to shut down operations. This would mean trains will not be available for commuters,” Plaatjie stated.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--