Motorists can heave a sigh of relief as the fuel strike came to an end on 17 August.
A two-year wage deal was signed by the National Petroleum Employees’ Association and the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers’ Union (Ceppwawu), effectively ending the three-week strike.
The strike caused limited supply disruptions to petrol stations with minor fuel shortages reported in parts of Gauteng, including Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The workers initially demanded a nine per cent increase, but were offered a seven per cent raise in the first year and an inflation-linked increase plus one and a half per cent in 2017.
The union declined this offer at first and downed tools.
After many negotiations and the assistance of the the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), this offer was accepted by all and the agreement signed.
Zimisele Majamane, deputy chairman of the National Petroleum Employees’ Association said, “The strike will be called off today (17 August) and employees have until Monday to return to work.”
Clement Chitja, the head of collective bargaining at Ceppewawu, confirmed the end of the strike, saying “The strike has been called off.”
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