Terry Hutson
A WILDCAT strike that is costing shipping lines, charterers, shippers and other port service providers tens of
thousands of dollars
began in the Port of Richards Bay last week.
Portnet has downplayed the seriousness of the strike and says disruption is
confined to the Combi and Bulk Metal Terminals while it has no knowledge of any
violence in the port. The two terminals reportedly affected, combi and bulk metal, were running at about 70% efficiency. Portnet adds that it has contingency plans to
minimise the effects of
any labour dispute.
However, according to other sources working in the port, ships are being delayed by up to three days or more and in some cases dock workers have been forced off vessels and physically attacked and threatened with firearms.
The strike began last Wednesday involving
casual labour and labour brokers, apparently over recognition demands by a Durban-based union. According to one source disruption began after strikers picketed port entrance gates, preventing workers from entering.
There have been several further reports of gun-toting strikers driving around
the port making sure that the strike is enforced.
A stevedore was reportedly hospitalised on Friday after being assaulted.
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