/ 21 September 2013

Petrol attendant strike: Cosatu ‘angry’ at delays

Cosatu is calling for a speedy resolution to bring an end to the strike by petrol attendants
Cosatu is calling for a speedy resolution to bring an end to the strike by petrol attendants, which has continued for nearly two weeks. (Gallo)

There have been "unnecessary" delays in reaching a settlement agreement with striking petrol attendants and vehicle industry workers, said labour federation Cosatu on Saturday.

"Each attempt has … ended in failure because of the employers' obstructive and delaying tactics," said Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven in a statement.

"[We] are shocked and angry at the unnecessary delay … "

The strike began on September 9 with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) demanding a double digit percentage increase.

Workers want a R30 an hour across the board increase by 2016 on actual rates of pay in all sectors and divisions for workers earning above R6 000 a month, among other demands.

The union recently rejected a revised wage offer of 7.5%.

Find a solution
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Craven said Numsa had maintained "good faith" during negotiations to find a solution.

He claimed employers were unwilling to resume talks until September 25, because of Heritage Day.

"This is totally unacceptable. This dispute should be resolved without delay."

Craven called on the Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant to convene an urgent meeting with unions and employers to resolve the dispute.

He warned that if a settlement is not reached soon, there would be calls to expand the strike action. – Sapa