South Africa: Efforts Being Made to Prevent Fuel Strike
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Tuesday, 07 April 2009 |
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The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) have
met with the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) and the
Road Freight Association over a wage dispute.
Satawu has threatened to embark on a national strike on today
(Tuesday 7th April) if no agreement was reached. The Fuel
Retailers' Association warned last week a strike by truck drivers
transporting fuel could create problems. "The infrastructure is under
pressure in any event, so a strike will cause chaos," said the
association's CEO Peter Morgan. Most petrol stations had a two-day lead
time, said Morgan.
According to Satawu the strike would involve at least 30 000 workers.
Satawu was demanding a salary of R6000 per month for long distance
drivers currently earning R4 317 per month. Employers were
offering an overall 11% increase, while the union was demanding 13%,
four months' paid maternity leave and a job guarantee on return to work.
The Road Freight Association's labour relations manager Magretia Brown
said the association met with the union last Monday and Tuesday. "But
we've had no joy... however, there is a meeting set up with the CCMA on
April 6," she said. "The problem is that Satawu is asking for a wage
hike of 37% when it comes to the long distance drivers, and we can't
afford it."
PetrolWorld 060409
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