TNPA
The Road Freight Association is pleading with striking workers at Transnet not to resort to violence or destroy property and much-needed infrastructure.
Some workers protested at the Durban and Richards Bay harbours on Thursday while in Durban, striking workers reportedly tried to block the routes into the port before Metro Police stepped in.
The SA Transport and Allied Workers Union and the United National Transport Union have both rejected the wage offer by Transnet of 3%, with unions seeking 13.5%.
Untu earlier said its members would down tools on Thursday, with Satawu saying its members will go on strike on Monday after last-minute negotiations under the auspices of the CCMA failed.
Transnet has since declared a force majeure at its ports in the wake of the industrial action.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Road Freight Association, Gavin Kelly, said any damage to infrastructure will impact the logistics chain.
“We call on all of those that are involved in protesting their employment conditions to rethink the way they protest and to keep in mind that tomorrow they would need to go back to work,” he said.
Kelly said they would not be able to go back to work if they destroy infrastructure in such a way that their employer actually folds.
“Please find other ways of venting your frustration. Please do not destroy the infrastructure that South Africa needs to ensure a better life for all,” he pleaded.
