Routes around the Port of Richards Bay and the Transnet depot in Empangeni in KZN were a no-go zone early this morning as workers affiliated to United National Transport Union (UNTU) embarked on wage-related protest action.

There was heavy police presence at both the east and west entrances to the Port of Richards Bay, as well as the Empangeni Transnet depot, with police using teargas to disperse the Bay protesters.

At 09:30, Richards Bay SAPS had made a number of arrests following a confrontational stand-off, which saw some strikers throwing bottles at the police contingent.

Protesters had formed a barricade with branches at the traffic circle on Medway Road. They were subsequently dispersed by 10:00, with the barricade removed by police.

However, police had their hands full in Empangeni as they removed debris and burning tyres blocking the entrance to the Transnet depot. Strikers threw bottles and stones at the police, who tried to disperse the group and clear the road.

“We are not criminals, go and look for criminals. We are only demanding our money. This company is paying us peanuts,” strikers told police members.

SAPS members advised disgruntled employees to stop damaging the road, but to protest peacefully without infringing other people’s constitutional rights.

By 10:30, the Port of Richards Bay’s east gate allowed vehicles to exit but none to enter the port. Employees are allowed to enter through this gate on foot.

The west gate, however, remains closed, with no vehicles allowed in or out of this gate.

This morning’s protest action comes after UNTU members yesterday announced they would down tools today after rejecting Transnet’s offer of a 1.5% wage increase.

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union said it would embark on industrial action on Monday.