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Transnet is offering a reward of R100 000 for information that will lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of striking workers who attacked the homes of non-strikers in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The offer comes as thre homes of more non-striking workers were attacked and petrol-bombed, bringing to 16 the number of violent incidents attributed to striking members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa at the port of Ngqura.
Transnet General Manager for Eastern Cape Terminals, Siya Mhlaluka, says all the incidents have been reported to the relevant security agencies.
"The action by members of the National Union of Metal Workers of Southern Africa (NUMSA) is continuing and we continuously assessing the impact on our operations and customers. We have also implemented a lock-out on all the participating employees, effective from Monday, the 28th April 2014. This means that those who chose to take part in the action will not be allowed to return to work until the union has withdrawn its demands," Mlaluka said.
He adds that contigency plans have been put in place to ensure that there's minimum disruption to port operations.
"We have activated our contingency plans, including a command centre, which is staffed by our executives from the operations. These are intended to ensure that there is minimum disruption to all port users and customers. Although the strike is still ongoing, our recognised unions, SATAWU and UTATU SARWHU, who represent around 80% of our colleagues in the bargaining unit are still continuing to work. Please note that NUMSA is not one of our recognized trade unions as it does not have sufficient members to qualify for organizational rights."
The strikers want Transnet to accede to their demand that they work three hours followed by an hour's break, while Transnet has reportedly proposed reducing shifts from five to four hours with an hour's break.
