Union demands answers before port concessioning

Leonard Neill THE SOUTH African government will be out of order if it concessions ports before conducting a full study into the reasons for the congestion and other problems being experienced at present, says the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu). A proper study is essential in order to tackle inefficiency in ports, says Satawu general secretary Randall Howard. Labour shortages, rapid increases in volumes and throughput, shipping company actions and the backlog in investment in handling equipment and skills development must be explored, he says. The union has accused government of bowing to pressure from major multinational companies. "They are seeking profit through extending operations to the quayside. This worldwide pattern has nothing to do with improving efficiencies of port operations."