Unions warn of strike by freight drivers

Trade unions representing workers in the road freight and logistics industry have warned of a strike that could affect key industries including cash-intransit guards, couriers and truck drivers.

A wage dispute between parties at the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry has been referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

Workers are demanding 32% wage increases across the board for three years, which comes to 10.6% each year from 2018, while employers offered 18% across the board.

Unions have also tabled a demand that foreign nationals be limited to 25% of the overall employees in each company, including in security features for cash-in-transit employees.

South African Transport and Workers Union (Satawu) spokeswoman Zanele Sabela said some employers hired predominantly foreign nationals and this had necessitated the demand for a moratorium.

The unions including Satawu, represent 30% of the industry’s 105,000 workers.

On cash-in-transit employees, the unions want employers to hire extra security to ensure the safety of both the cash and officers transporting it.

There have been more than 159 cash-in-transit heists in the country since the beginning of 2018, with security guards being killed and injured.

Unions are demanding each vehicle be manned by at least three people to ensure the safety of the cash and the officers.

Unions have also appealed to companies to provide officers with adequate artillery so they can protect themselves from heavily armed robbers.

“Labour also wants government to regulate the manufacturing of cash-in-transit vehicles so that safety features are standardised across the industry,” said the unions.