/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

South African Transport & Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU) members at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) have embarked on a national strike due to a dispute in wage negotiations.

About 300 AA workers responsible for towing, patrols and emergency response have down tools due to a failure to reach agreement in the latest round of wage negotiations. SATAWU served notice of intention to strike early this week. A meeting convened to avert the strike failed to reach consensus yesterday.

Workers’ demands are as follows:

• 12% across the board wage increase
• R9 000 minimum wage (not cost to company)
• 13th cheque
• 60% company contribution to pension fund and medical aid scheme
• Extension of incentive scheme to include all categories of workers
• Insource 50 outsourced employees

The employer is only offering a 6% across the board wage increase. Also at stake is the signing of the union recognition agreement due to a dispute regarding paid time off and benefits for of full-time shop stewards.

Issued by COSATU