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Solidarity and Sasol are set to start talks at the CCMA in Johannesburg today in a bid to end Solidarity’s protracted strike at Sasol. Solidarity has taken strike action against Sasol’s employee share ownership plan that excludes white workers. The CCMA is now involved to resolve the dispute in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act.

According to Solidarity Chief Executive Dr Dirk Hermann, resolving the dispute is not only in the interests of Sasol but also in the interests of the country. “South Africa dare not be satisfied by simple solutions, such as the exclusion of races, to complex problems,” Hermann said.

Sasol’s maintenance project already lags more than 96 hours behind schedule due to the strike. Hermann said Sasol had come under incredible production pressure as a result of the strike. Sasol has totally underestimated Solidarity.

Meanwhile, the final version of the Mining Charter is serving before Cabinet for approval. According to his charter all workers, regardless of race, are to participate in employee share ownership plans. Sasol owns coal mines and must therefore comply with the Mining Charter. “Mining Charter negotiations took years and involved business, government, trade unions and affected communities. Through its Khanyisa share ownership plan Sasol wishes to break the charter agreement reached between the parties. The point of departure for the mining negotiations was that workers are workers and should not be divided on the basis of race. Sasol is doing the complete opposite and this will cause major racial tension and division,” Hermann warned.

Issued by Solidarity