Ultimatum for motor trade strike
LABOUR union federation Cosatu will organise a solidarity action should the strike in the motor sector not be resolved by the end of the week.
Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA and those of Fuel Retailers Association, including petrol attendants and motor sector employees, downed tools two weeks ago after negotiations over salary increase deadlocked.
Cosatu national spokesperson Patrick Craven also called for the Labour Ministry and Business Unity SA to convene an urgent meeting with unions and employers to resolve the dispute.
“If, however, no solution has been negotiated by the beginning of next week, we will consult our members in the affiliates, taxi associations and others, to organise solidarity action in support of the motor trade strikers. An injury to one is an injury to all,” Craven warned.
According to Craven, the unions have always made themselves available to negotiate in good faith. “Each attempt has ended in failure because of the employers’ obstructive and delaying tactics.”
This claim has been denied by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation.
Craven added, “The latest news is that the employers are not prepared to reopen talks until 25 September because of the Heritage Day public holiday on Tuesday. This is totally unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, Eye Witness News reported that Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant would attempt to bring an end to the strikes on 23 September.
