Mine workers labour unrest continues

JOHANNESBURG (AP):

South Africa's labour unrest spread yesterday from its mines to the transport sector, and the country's transport union said more than 20,000 road freight employees are on strike demanding a pay increase.

An extended transport strike will affect the delivery of goods including gasolene and food items in South Africa.

South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (SATAWU) said road freight employees are demanding a 12 per cent pay increase. Employers had offered an 8.5 per cent increase, an offer that was rejected in the Gauteng province earlier yesterday, SATAWU spokesman Vincent Masoga said. The workers also want an equal increase for workers classified under the council's extended bargaining unit, he said.

"Talks are finished for today, but no resolution was reached," Masoga said, adding that the strike will continue today.

Striking truck drivers gathered in Johannesburg yesterday and threw stones at passing trucks. The union said workers decided to strike since there has been a deadlock in wage negotiations since June.