Fuel wage talks hit deadlock

Petrol sector talks have reached a deadlock, the National Petroleum Employers’ Association (NPEA) said on Saturday.

Photos from the front lines

M&G photographer Oupa Nkosi arrived in the industrial area of Alrode in Alberton to a sea of disgruntled workers. He approached the volatile situation with patience and, several hours later, emerged with the shot.

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“We concluded that we have reached a deadlock yesterday [Friday] and the next steps were not confirmed,” said spokesperson Mxolisi Ratsibe.

He said parties did not agree on when the next meeting would take place.

The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Worker’s Union (CEPPWAWU) were demanding a wage increase of 11% to 13% and a minimum wage of R6 000.

Employees also wanted a ban on labour brokers and were asking employers to address issues of compassionate and maternity leave as well as the number of working hours and the shift allowance.

CEPPWAWU spokesperson Cedrick Maluleke was not immediately available for comment.

Workers went on strike two weeks ago causing fuel shortages in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.

On Saturday, the SA Petroleum Industry Association’s Jean Dennis said the delivery of fuel “had definitely improved”. – Sapa