Engineering News reports that Transnet has suspended several employees at its Ngqura Container Terminal for engaging in an illegal industrial action that has had a negative impact on port operations.  

On Thursday, the state-owned logistics company stated that the illegal industrial action by employees had had a negative impact on all customers serviced by the port, particularly the citrus and automotive customers.  Volkswagen Group SA, which receives parts for its assembly plant through the port, confirmed on Thursday that it had lost production of 680 cars over 24 hours at its Uitenhage plant owing to labour action at the port.  Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, meanwhile, expressed concern about the “go slow” during a briefing ahead of his Budget Vote address in Parliament.  He has requested the Transnet board to deal with the matter urgently, as it was negatively affecting automotive trade flows.  Transnet advised that the employees were demanding additional incentives and that operations at its Durban Container Terminal had also been affected by equipment failure and a high level of absenteeism.  Furthermore, a decline in performance levels at the Cape Town Container Terminal had been noted.  Transnet pointed out that discussions were being held with labour with a view to normalise port operations,

• Read the full original of the report on the above story at Engineering News
• Read Transnet’s press statement at SA Labour News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page