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BL Premium reports that logistics utility Transnet declared force majeure at its ports on Thursday, as workers began an open-ended strike over wages.
“This serves as a formal declaration by Transnet Port Terminals ... of the occurrence of an event of force majeure to all our customers following the strike action declared by the two recognised unions within Transnet,” it said in a statement signed by the port subsidiary’s CEO, Jabu Mdaki. Speaking at a mining conference in Johannesburg, Transnet group CEO Portia Derby said “what we are hoping is that we will be able to reach an agreement sooner rather than later, without us having to buckle”. The United National Transport Union (UNTU) and the SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu), which together represent most of Transnet workers, this week turned down Transnet’s offer of a wage rise of 3%-4%, saying it was below the annual inflation rate, which was 7.6% in August. The unions want an increase of 12% (UNTU) and 13.5% (Satawu). UNTU members began a strike on Thursday and Satawu said it would join in on Monday. According to Transnet, the strike is illegal and unions have not followed rules set down in labour law. It questioned the balloting processes used to approve the strike and said no picketing rules had been agreed by the company and striking workers, as required by law. Both unions rejected Transnet’s charges, saying they had given the required 48-hour strike notice. All parties have agreed to mediation by the CCMA. But, the unions said further talks, which are due to start on 12 October, will not affect strike plans. For its part, Transnet said it was taking steps to obtain an urgent court interdict against the strikes. It also said it has implemented contingency plans and additional safety measures at all affected facilities in Durban and Richards Bay. The principle of no work no pay will be enforced,” the utility’s spokesperson advised.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mary Papayya & Thando Maeko at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
- Read too, Union members down tools as Transnet maintains strike is illegal, at Fin24
- And also, Transnet declares force majeure at ports over strike, at Fin24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page