/ 7 October 2012

Satawu to extend strike to port workers

Satawu spokesperson Vincent Masoga said on Sunday the union had applied at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration for permission to expand the strike to ports and railways. 

Masoga said the union would continue to negotiate with employers, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

However, he added that relations and trust with the employer were worsening. "We are losing confidence," Masoga said.

Satawu has been asking for a 12% wage increase but was prepared to negotiate a compromise if the employers, including the Road Freight Employers' Association (RFEA), were willing to also compromise. "We're prepared to even take 10% but the guys are not budging at all," Masoga said.

He accused RFEA of dishonesty and said a "double-digit" increase only amounted to nine 9% over three years.

"They are misrepresenting what they sent. They are lying to the public," Masoga said. – Sapa