About the Council
An independent statutory forum where Transnet and the trade unions representing its employees negotiate agreements and resolve disputes.
Who we are
The Transnet Bargaining Council is a bargaining council registered under the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. It was registered on 11 November 1996, with a registered scope covering Transport Services.
The Council belongs to neither the employer nor the unions. It gives both sides a structured, lawful process for reaching agreement, and an independent panel to resolve the disputes that arise when they cannot.
Under the Labour Relations Act, the Council’s functions are mainly to prevent and resolve disputes, to conclude collective agreements, and to build and maintain a collaborative relationship between the parties.
Registered
11 November 1996, under the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995
Registered Scope
Transport Services
Employer Party
Transnet SOC Limited
Trade union parties
SATAWU and UNTU
CCMA accreditation
Conciliation, arbitration and inquiry by arbitrator, 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2029
Head office
7 4th Avenue, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
What the Council does
Four functions, set out in our Constitution and the Labour Relations Act.
Collective bargaining
Providing the forum where Transnet and the admitted trade unions negotiate terms and conditions of employment.
Collective agreements
Concluding the agreements the parties reach, and housing the signed agreements for everyone they cover.
Dispute resolution
Conciliating and arbitrating disputes through independent, accredited commissioners.
Dispute prevention
Promoting a working relationship between the parties that stops conflict before it escalates.
Parties to the Council
The employer and the trade unions admitted to the Council under its Constitution.
The employer party, operating across the following divisions:
- Transnet Freight Rail
- National Ports Authority
- Pipelines
- Transnet Property
- Rail Infrastructure Manager
- Port Terminals
- Transnet Engineering
Admitted trade union party to the Council.
Admitted trade union party to the Council.
Other unions and non-union employees
SATAWU and UNTU are the admitted parties, but they are not the only unions at Transnet. Employees who belong to other unions, or to no union at all, are covered through the agency shop levy, which ensures they are represented by the Transnet Bargaining Council.
How the Council is governed
The Council operates in terms of its Constitution. An Executive Committee (EXCO), made up of representatives of both the employer and the trade unions, oversees its work.
The General Secretary manages the Council’s day-to-day administration, including the receipt of dispute referrals and the scheduling of hearings.
Office-bearer names and roles to be supplied by the Council.
Accredited by the CCMA
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration has accredited the Council, in terms of section 127 of the Labour Relations Act, to conduct conciliation and arbitration, including inquiry by arbitrator. The current accreditation runs from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2029.
Find what you need
Dispute resolution
How to refer a dispute, what happens at each stage, and the forms you need.
Collective agreements
The signed agreements between Transnet and the admitted trade unions.
Publications
The Council's Constitution, registration and accreditation documents.
Contact the Council
For enquiries, or to submit a completed form, contact our office.
Address
7 4th Avenue, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Office
011 486 3003
secretary@tbc.co.za | chrissi@tbc.co.za