SATAWU Strike to affect Port of Richards Bay
The union said about 300 marine personnel are expected to down tools
THE Port of Richards Bay is one of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) eight commercial ports to be affected by a protected strike set to go ahead this evening (Wednesday).
The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU) gave TNPA 48 hours’ notice of a protected strike by an expected 300 marine personnel who would down tools at 5.30pm.
According to TNPA, the strike is the result of an ‘unresolved dispute of mutual interest that exists between TNPA and marine personnel’.
In a statement issued this morning, SATAWU alleges racial salary discrepancies at TNPA, with whites earning more than their black colleagues.
‘There are instances where the pay gap between two colleagues, who are on the same level, is R500 000 per annum. We can’t accept that,’ said SATAWU representative at TNPA, Reginald Goba.
SATAWU-affiliated marine pilots, tug masters and chief marine engineering officers are expected to be participants in the strike.
‘We have assessed the impact of the strike action and have activated contingency measures through our Business Continuity Plans,’ said Acting Chief Executive, Nozipho Mdawe.
‘We are doing everything within our means to avert the strike.’
Mdawe said the Port of Richards Bay would not be closed as contingency plans will be in place, however there may be delays to shipping movements.
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