The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) says it has reached a deadlock with the Gautrain management in discussions about a new wage agreement that would be implemented from July 1.

The union states that the Gautrain's decision to abolish staff cards, which allow workers to ride the Gautrain for free when they are traveling to and from work, is of particular concern to Gautrain employees.

"The decision to abolish the staff cards is outrageous because our members cannot afford to pay to use the Gautrain, as it is really expensive, hence the need for staff cards.

"This benefit has been in place since 2013 and workers were allowed to use the train without paying," says Numsa secretary-general Irvin Jim.

He adds that another big issue for employees is a proposal to abolish the housing allowance, which enables workers to access housing.

"Without it, they would not be able to buy their own homes. Gautrain proposed removing it so it can be built into the wages, but our members reject this," Jim states.

Numsa's demands include an 8% across-the-board increase and a one-year agreement valid from July 1 to June 30, 2024.

Further, the union demands that the housing allowance be increased to R1 750 and that the transport allowance be increased from R100 to R125 per shift or R2 100 a month for all shift workers whether they worked or not.

The union further demands a night shift allowance of R38 an hour and that the medical aid contribution of the employer should be 55% and employees should contribute 45%.

Numsa also demands a R15 000 key performance indicator bonus, as well as no retrenchments for the period of the agreement.

The union has been issued with a strike certificate and it plans to, on June 28, ballot its members in preparation for a possible strike.

Numsa has also requested a meeting with management on June 28 in the hopes of averting a strike.