Truck drivers in Johannesburg to march

02 October 2012 - 10:53

By Sapa

Johannesburg metro police on Tuesday advised the public to stay away from the CBD as thousands of striking truck drivers were expected to march to nearby Braamfontein.

"The public, especially motorists, are advised to stay away from 10am until 2pm as we expect more of the strikers to join the march," spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.

A memorandum would be handed to the transport and freight bargaining council in Braamfontein.

The marchers were gathering at Beyers Naude Square. Most of the streets along the march route, including Simmonds, De Korte, and Eendracht would be closed during the march.

Gauteng provincial traffic officials, the SA Police Service and metro police would keep an eye on the event.

"We expect more of them today and we are ready for the march," Minnaar said.

Road Freight Employers' Association executive officer, Magretia Brown-Engelbrecht said negotiations were expected to resume on Wednesday.

Truck drivers wanted a 12% salary increase while employers had offered 8.5 percent for next year then another 0.5 percent the following year.