Truck operators protest for packages
More than 180 employees face retrenchment at Bay port
A PEACEFUL group of Radds Transport employees protested at the Port of Richards Bay’s West Gate on Thursday morning appealing for retrenchment packages if their contracts cannot be extended.
The 187 members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) only have two weeks left of work at the harbour.
Amcu KZN Regional Organiser, Glehn Mkhabela said the union would like to see transparency in the contract struck between Radds and Transnet, which ends on 15 April.
‘The employees received notice of retrenchment on 15 March, but a letter from Transnet to Radds to notify the company of the termination of contract was sent on 3 March and employees should have been told as early as possible.
‘We ask that Transnet extend the contract with Radds to give the employees more time.
‘But if this is not possible, the staff demands retrenchment packages of three weeks’ pay per year of service plus R10 000 per employee retrenched and assistance in skills development.
‘We also ask Transnet to assist the employees secure work elsewhere.
‘If Radds’ contract is renewed and will require the same number of employees, they must be retained on the same terms and conditions as before.’
Both Radds Co-owner Suren Radhalal and Mkhabela confirmed they are in discussions to amicably resolve the matter.
