Transnet strike set to continue as talks fail

The strike at transport utility Transnet is set to enter its second week after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) facilitated talks between the utility and unions South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) and United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) broke down on Sunday, 16 May 2010.

Around 50,000 workers, making up 84% of the total workforce, downed tools last Monday against Transnet.

On Friday Transnet's Acting chief Executive of Transnet Chris Wells said that striking workers had caused more than 20 million rand in damages to the group's equipment.

The two unions, in a joint statement, said that management "effectively walked away from any negotiated settlement ... after stating an unwillingness to budge on any item of money substance."

The union called on their respective trade union federations - Cosatu and Fedusa - to escalate support for the strike.


 
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