Talks continue to end freight strike

Published Sep 28, 2012

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Talks were continuing on Friday between unions and employers to end the freight logistics industry strike.

The Road Freight Employers Association said on a twitter feed dedicated to the strike mid Friday afternoon: “#RFEA Talks ongoing.”

The RFEA approached the Labour Court on Friday due to the escalation in violence and intimidation experienced since the strike began.

“The matter has been set down for this (Friday) afternoon,” she said.

The SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) said on Friday it would oppose the urgent application.

“They are trying to disrupt our strike as a tactic. We are going to oppose it,” said Satawu spokesman Vincent Masoga.

The strike began on Monday after employers and unions failed to reach an agreement on wages.

The SA Express Parcel Association (Saepa) condemned the violence and intimidation resulting from the truckers' strike.

Saepa represents the interests of the majority of courier and express delivery companies, and their clients, in South Africa.

“The industry is committed to finding a fair and amicable solution to the dispute,” Saepa said in a statement.

“Acts of violence, intimidation and vandalism of private property cannot be justified as part of industrial negotiations.”

Saepa called on unions to urge restraint and co-operate with the authorities in bringing a swift end to illegal, hostile behaviour.

Unions reverted to a 12 percent pay demand after rejecting a lower offer tabled by employers on Tuesday.

The RFEA had proposed a staggered increase of 8.5 percent effective from March, and a further 0.5 percent from September next year.

The unions involved are Satawu, the Professional Transport and Allied Workers' Union SA, the Transport and Allied Workers' Union of SA, and the Motor Transport Workers' Union. - Sapa

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