By Nicolette Oberholzer
Independent Online recently reported that members from the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union intend going on a national protected strike on the 15th of March 2009. According to the Union the strike notice will be issued on the 10th of March 2009 to the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight industry (NBCRFI) and the Road Freight Employers Association (RFEA) however we have since learned that the Union has withdrawn the 10th of March date as the day they will serve notice of a strike on employers, but have not indicated a new date.
It was reported that the union declared a wage dispute on the 28th of January 2009. Upon our own investigation we established that apparently no dispute has been declared with the NBCRFI.
The FREA's final offer was 10.5% and the unions are looking for 15% across the board. Other demands include minimum wage increases of R6 000 per month for drivers and a minimum wage of R3 000 per month for general workers.
In terms of Section 64 of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 a dispute must be referred to a council or the CCMA. Either a period of 30 day must elapse, (during which the NBC or CCMA would mediate between the parties) or the NBC/CCMA can issue a certificate that the dispute cannot be resolved. Only after this can the 48 hour notice of a strike be served.
Sectors that will probably be effected include the general freight and logistics sector responsible for the transport of fuel, chemicals, medical supplies, building supplies, furniture removals, perishable goods and livestock as well as cash -in-transit deliveries.
Take note that the current minimum wages are applicable until 28 February 2009.
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