The strike began on September 9 with the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) demanding a double digit percentage increase.
They want a R30 an hour across the board increase by 2016 on actual rates of pay in all sectors and divisions for workers earning above R6 000 a month, among other demands.
The union recently rejected a revised wage offer of 7.5%.
Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said that during a meeting last Thursday, employers were unwilling to resume negotiations until September 25, because of the Heritage Day celebrations.
“There have been unnecessary delays in reaching a settlement agreement and if a settlement is not reached soon, there would be calls to expand the strike action,” said Craven.
According to Kobus Smith, owner of Edelweiss Engen Service Station, everything is peaceful and their staff are working without any problems.
He said deliveries are normal and running smoothly, but they all hope an agreement will be reached soon.
Nationally there have been many reports of strikers turning violent and assaulting non-striking petrol attendants.
“Here in Springs a minibus filled with striking petrol attendants wearing their red T-shirts was driving around, stopping at petrol stations, and just sitting there,” said Captain Johannes Ramphora, Springs police spokesman.
He added, although they tried intimidation tactics, they didn’t cause any problems.
Last Tuesday, the The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) was granted an urgent interdict by the Johannesburg Labour Court to prevent violence by striking workers.
According to RMI CEO Jakkie Olivier they have expressed great concern over the manner in which striking members of Numsa have ignored the picketing rules.
“Due to the vigilance of our members, we have been receiving daily updates about the violence, which we reported to Numsa with a request that the union intervene,” said Olivier.
He added this was ignored and the RMI felt obligated to seek legal action.
The court order states that Numsa and its members are prohibited from preventing non-striking employees from reporting for work, obstructing entrances or exits of RMI premises, assaulting or threatening to assault customers, damaging RMI property, or carrying weapons.
Craven added although Numsa had maintained good faith during negotiations to find a solution, each attempt ended in failure of the employers’ obstructive and delaying tactics.
He has called on the Labour Minister, Mildred Oliphant, to convene an urgent meeting with unions and employers to resolve the dispute as this is totally unacceptable.
“This dispute should be resolved without delay,” said Craven.
