Mokopane truck drivers embark on ‘unprotected strike’

MOKOPANE – Bosveld tried to find out what the reasons are behind the strike, and spoke to the shop stewards, namely Silas Sebyeng, William Ledwaba and Johannes Mankga of Barloworld.

According to them the truck drivers have unresolved issues and grievances against two other Barloworld employees.

(Read more about these unresolved issues in your copy of Bosveld Review)

Sebyeng said the drivers are prepared to strike until these matters are resolved.

Kate Stubbs (Managing Executive: Business Development and Marketing at Barloworld Logistics) said: “Barloworld Transport confirms that a number of our employees at our Mokopane depot have embarked on unprotected industrial action as from Wednesday, 10 May 2017.

According to Stubbs Barloworld’s sole focus has been on resolving the situation in a manner that is fair to all parties involved, and at the earliest opportunity.

Barloworld Transport falls within the scope of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics industry and as such is governed by the collective agreement.

Despite Barloworld Transport’s repeated requests, as well as a Labour Court interdict, employees engaging in the unprotected strike have elected not to return to work.

“In our continued effort to resolve the dispute, and in line with both the company’s labour relations procedures and the Labour Relations Act (LRA), we will meet with the union and employee representatives during the course of this week.

“We are committed to resolving this matter in terms of the relevant legal dispute mechanisms,” Stubbs responded.

redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za