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The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has come out in support of its affiliated unions organising in the road freight transport sector, the Motor Transport Workers Union (MTWU) and Professional Transport and Allied Workers Union (PTAWU). FEDUSA firmly believes road freight is an essential part of our economy and any disruption in services might be detrimental on various levels.

MTWU and PTAWU in late August reached deadlock with Road Freight Employers Association over a comprehensive salary agreement for the entire road freight industry. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) then issued a certificate confirming the deadlock and has given the workers the right to embark on a protected strike. The workers have been demanding a 12% across-the-board wage increase, while employers were offering 7%.

The latest developments in this dispute are that employers have obtained an interdict from the Labour Court against the violence and intimidation reported last week. Employers have also upped their offer to 9,5% in March of 2013 with a further 0,5% in September of the same year. Unions have now agreed to meet with their members and give feedback in this regard, before returning with a fresh mandate on Wednesday.

“As FEDUSA we condemn in the strongest terms the violence and intimidation exhibited by striking workers,” said FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George. “We are also positive about the fact that the employers organisation increased their offer, and we request MTWU and PTAWU members to seriously consider settling for this offer. It is important to take into account all factors when negotiating wages,” he added.

According to reports members in the cash-in-transit industry already signed an agreement with employers last week, because they are concerned about their job security.

“We have had reports that ABSA, Woolworths and Clicks have indicated their intention to cancel cash-in-transit contracts with the current suppliers who are party to the Bargaining Council,” said George. “We appeal to our members to seriously consider the long-term effects of short-sighted wage agreements which will not be sustainable in our difficult economic situation. We appeal to all parties to make constructive contributions to the coming meeting [on Wednesday] so that we may resolve this wage dispute as soon as possible,” he concluded.