BDLive reports that operations at SA’s largest refinery, the Sapref refinery in Durban, stopped on Thursday as a strike over wages commenced.  The refinery is a joint venture between Shell and BP.  

"The refinery is at a standstill.  There is no production from today," Musa Bhengu, KwaZulu-Natal regional secretary for the Chemical Energy Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers’ Union (Ceppwawu), said on Thursday.  Ceppwawu wants a 9% wage increase.  Employers are offering 7% in the first year, and inflation plus 1.5% in the second year.  The strike is expected to affect refinery workers, fuel truck drivers and depot workers.  Petrol station attendants have a separate bargaining council.

• Read this report by Wendell Roelf and Joe Brock at BDLive
• Read too, Refinery strike: 9% wage increase wanted, at Business Report

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