As part of a nationwide South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) strike, about 150 truck drivers on Tuesday took to the streets in George demanding a 12% salary increase. However, the Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry is only offering 8,5% for 2013 with an added 0,5% in 2014.
Regional organiser for Satawu, Mr Manual Mandeleka told the George Herald if the bargaining council is willing to offer 9%, they are prepared to discuss it.
Mandeleka said a 9% increase may be accepted, subject to certain conditions. One of the conditions will be the opportunity for further negotiations after three months.
Unlike the rest of the country, where violence broke out, Tuesday's march in George was peaceful. It started at the Thembalethu taxi rank and ended in Meade Street at the Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry where a memorandum of demands was handed over to officials. The Road Freight Employers' Association said yesterday they would be seeking an interdict from the Labour Court to stop the national strike while negotiations continued.
Meanwhile, George Executive Mayor, Charles Standers, has responded to the ANC grievance memorandum that was handed to him on Wednesday 20 September by Mr Mervin Olivier, the organiser of the mass ANC march that ended at the George Municipality. The George Herald will report on the mayor's response next Thursday 10 October.
* Ongeveer 150 lede van die South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) het Dinsdag aan 'n optog deelgeneem as deel van 'n landswye protes teen 'n aanbod van 6% verhoging. Satawu eis 'n 12% loonverhoging.
Mr. Manuel Mandeleka, Regional Secretary for Satawu reading out the memorandum at the Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry. At the back from the left are Col. Leon Barends, Ms Charmaine Pienaar, Ms Frances Fouché (both from the bargaining council) and Capt. Frans van Rooyen.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: CHRISTO VERMAAK, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
