Will there be a MASS strike action in SA on MONDAY?

Satawu is threatening a MASS strike action - with as many as 21 000 workers expected to take part on MONDAY. Here is more information.

Oct 10, 2022 - 03:13
1118
Will there be a MASS strike action in SA on MONDAY?

The SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) threatened a MASS strike action – with as many as 21 000 workers expected to take part on MONDAY unless a new wage deal is struck with Transnet.

AS MANY AS 21 000 WORKERS TO TAKE PART IN MASS STRIKE ACTION

We will only know if the MASS strike action will occur after the parties meet at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Monday. 

According to a report by the Sunday Times Satawu, and the United National Transport Union (Untu), have already rejected an initial 1.5% offer and a revised offer of 4% and promise “to plunge Transnet into industrial action that could have serious repercussions for the economy.” 

ALSO READ: Eskom targets a MASSIVE increase for next year – more info here

PARTIES WILL MEET ON MONDAY

The unions reportedly said that the offer must be aligned with the rising cost of living and current inflation. Annual inflation in South Africa is currently 7.6%.

The strike threatens to curb trade in materials including coal, iron ore, chrome and manganese because the company’s rail and ports network is key to the South African export of bulk commodities, reported Bloomberg.

ALSO READ: Brit couple brutally murdered, bodies thrown to crocodiles in SA

TRANSNET WAS SERVED WITH A 48-HOUR NOTICE – ‘OUR STRIKE STARTS MONDAY’

The South African ports are also crucial for shippers from other African nations, it said.

ALSO READ: SHOCKER! Load shedding is BACK- here is your latest schedule

Satawu secretary-general Jack Mazibuko told the Business Times that they will not accept anything below two digits but is still open to talks.

“We have served Transnet with a 48-hour notice of our intention to strike, and our strike starts Monday. The company requested a meeting with us last Tuesday, where they tabled their so-called revised offer of 4%. This offer is divided into two — a 3% across the board increase and one percent in the form of a lump sum equivalent to R7,600.

“We took this offer to our members for a mandate, but it was strongly rejected, and that’s why we are here now.”

Mazibuko told the Business Times.

EMPLOYEES AT TRANSNET NATIONWIDE WILL BE ON STRIKE

Mazibuko furthermore said that employees at Transnet Freight Rail, including all ports in the country, security, pipelines, train drivers, and operations would be on strike come Monday.

ALSO READ:Top FOUR vehicles targeted by criminals in South Africa