South African truckers set to strike for higher wages

THE South African supply chain is braced for a strike by truck drivers, as unions meet to discuss the progress of wage talks with employers.

Four unions are holding meetings with their members this week to discuss wage demands and terms of employment before showdown talks with the Road Freight Employers Association (RFEA).


The SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu), Motor Transport Workers Union (MTWU), Professional Transport Workers Union (PTWU) and Transport and Allied Workers Union of SA (TAWUSA) are seeking a mandate to strike.


Given the go-ahead for strikes, the unions would only need to give employers 48-hours` notice, reports London`s International Freighting Weekly. It is understood the unions want wage increases of 20 per cent over two years, and will also ask for a housing allowance, reduced overtime and fewer working hours, as well as a ban on labour brokers in the industry.


They have, however, indicated that they are willing to negotiate on the wage demands, but RFEA has only offered a 7.5 per cent increase in 2011 and a second 7.5 per cent increase in 2012.


RFEA employs about 65,000 people; 51 per cent are members of the four unions. The four unions negotiate with RFEA through the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry, and the two sides have been in deadlock since December.


The unions initially planned to strike in the middle of last month, but action was put on hold to allow negotiations to continue.


The MTWU said that non-members could also join in the strike action.