Petrol shortage anticipated as workers down tools
Wage talk impasse could result in petrol strike countrywide on July 28.
NEWCASTLE – A breakdown in wage talks between the Chemical Energy Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) and National Petroleum Employers’ Association has resulted in a damning strike on July 28.
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According to media reports, more than 15 000 employees are expected to participate in the strike.
A request for a wage increase of nine per cent, collective bargaining rights and for temporary staff to become permanent after a three-month probation period has been made by the union, but the National Petroleum Employers’ Association has only made an offer of six point five per cent; a multi-year agreement.
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CEPPWAWU spokesperson, Clement Chitja told media the union wanted wage agreements to apply to all workers, and for regulation agreements to be made regarding rotational shift systems.
The strike will reportedly not affect services by petrol attendants. It will however, affect production at refineries, depots and in-sourced truck workers.
