Fuel supplies may come under pressure because of a strike in the petroleum, glass and pharmaceutical sector, the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers’ Union (Ceppwawu) said on Monday.
About 280 workers affiliated to Ceppwawu downed tools on Monday after a wage dispute was declared against their employer, said the union’s deputy general secretary, Keith Jacobs.
”Should refineries shut down, this will result in a fuel shortage,” he said.
Jacobs said the union’s demands included a 10% increase across the board and that temporary employees who perform permanent work be made permanent.
The union started negotiations in May along with the Chemical Bargaining Council and the Wood and Paper Bargaining Council, but negotiations deadlocked on June 26 in all the chambers.
The employer is only offering a 7,5% increment.
Solidarity and the South African Chemical Workers’ Union accepted an 8% wage increase last week.
Jacobs said the strike would continue until the unions (Ceppwawu and the General Industrial Workers’ Union of South Africa) reached a settlement with the employer.
Ceppwawu represents about 4 000 people in the petroleum sector, Jacobs said. — Sapa