/ 15 October 2007

Workers down tools at Sasol

About a third of the workforce at Sasol Mining near Secunda have begun a protected strike over wage increases, Sasol said on Monday.

Sasol spokesperson Johann van Rheede said workers downed tools at Sasol’s five mines in Mpumalanga last Friday, continuing on Monday.

The workers are members of the United People’s Union of South Africa (UPUSA).

”Sasol Mining is engaging with UPUSA’s leadership to resolve the dispute,” said Van Rheede.

Other unions — Solidarity, the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers’ Union and the South African Chemical Workers’ Union had accepted Sasol’s wage proposals.

”Operations of Sasol Synfuels and other Sasol business units are normal and have not been affected by the current strike,” said Van Rheede.

The union could not be reached for comment. — Sapa