/ 1 June 1999

Port strikes cost R600m

MONDAY, 10.30AM:

LABOUR action at South Africa’s ports, particularly Durban, have cost shipping companies R600-million since the beginning of April, according to industry sources.

Technical support staff and dockers at Durban, Cape Town, East London, Port Elizabeth, Richard’s Bay and Saldanha have been on a protected strike since last Monday over a disputed bonus payment. This was preceded by a general go-slow since Easter.

Portnet claims all ports are operating ”normally” since the strike started, but industry sources report constant delays, especially at Durban and Cape Town, since the start of April.