TUESDAY, 12.00NOON:
STRIKING transport workers on Tuesday marched from the Johannesburg Library Gardens to the offices of the National Bargaining Council in Braamfontein, on the second day of national transport workers’ strike.
Talks between unions and the Road Freight Employers’ Association on wages and subsistence allowances broke down last week, and seven unions are involved in the strike.
On Monday, Professional Transport Workers’ Union spokesman Emily Fourie said the difference between workers’ demands and employers’ offers amounts to only R10 on average. She said workers will settle for a R40 increase in their subsistence allowance, rather than the R50 offered, provided other issues are resolved. Unions also want other categories of workers, like office staff, included in the transport bargaining council.
The RFEA said that employers are making a “generous” final offer to the unions, including minimum wage increases ranging from R11,5% to 18%, and an actual wage increase of 10,5%.
It is hoped that both parties will meet with the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration on Tuesday or Wednesday.
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