Truck drivers threaten nationwide strike

Monday, January 24, 2011

Pretoria - A decision on whether 70 000 truck drivers will embark on a nationwide strike or not - which could have disastrous effects on the freight and logistics industries - is expected on Wednesday.

According to South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) General Secretary, Zenzo Mahlangu, the union will have meetings with employers early this week and should there be no agreement reached, the decision to go on strike will be taken.

"The decision ... will depend on the outcomes of the meetings," Mahlangu said.

Wage negotiations with four transport unions have been deadlocked since December.

The union is demanding a 20 percent pay increase over two years and a ban on labour brokers, while the Road Freight Association is offering 15 percent over two years and believes labour brokers are essential for business.