Strike interdicted at SA's ports, work must go ahead
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The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has interdicted a strike which had been set to start at 6am on Thursday at the country's ports.
This is according to the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu).
"The labour court has reserved judgment until September 5, therefore the strike cannot go on," the union tweeted overnight.
Transnet confirmed in a statement that the strike action had been interdicted.
"The strike action was stopped through a court interdict obtained by Transnet (on Wednesday) afternoon."
It added the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) "remains committed in further engaging with Satawu towards a resolution."
Acting Chief Executive at TNPA Nozipho Mdawe said: “We would like to assure our customer and stakeholders of our commitment to provide a seamless service to the industry. TNPA management will be closely monitoring port operations and will try and prevent any potential disruptions to shipping movements.”
On Tuesday, the union said that the issue revolved around the discrepancy in salaries between black and white staff, including marine pilots, tug masters and chief marine engineering officers.
White mariners allegedly draw higher salaries than their black counterparts, even when they have less experience.
Satawu said it served the strike notice to TNPA on Monday after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) granted permission to strike in April.