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By Gavin du Venage
More than 36 000 transport workers went on strike this week after last minute attempts to reach a solution failed.
Industrial action began on Wednesday in support of demands for higher wages.
On Monday transport unions said they had rejected a slightly improved offer from the Road Freight Association. The union wants a 14 to 18% increase while employers offered 10 to 15%. Most large road hauliers are expected to be affected by the strike. The strike is expected to provide Spoornet with a temporary boost as most shippers will switch to rail until the matter is solved. Strikers plan to hold mass gatherings and are considering road blocks similar to those carried out two years ago, when hundreds of trucks blockaded major routes to Durban and brought cargo and other traffic to a standstill.
The department of transport has yet to react to the threats of roadblocks but it has said in the past that it will not allow SA's roads to be blocked.
The strike comes at a time when most retailers are stocking up for Christmas could therefore have an impact on the economy. Meanwhile stability in the air cargo market seems to be assured in the near future with the signing of a 16-month deal between SAA and technical workers. In October workers held a two week strike over wages. The agreement prohibits any industrial action until late next year.
