SATAWU,+Transnet+strike+postponed

SATAWU
=Transnet strike postponed!=

The four unions currently in dispute with Transnet over the restructuring exercise have postponed the national mass action from next Monday (March 06, 2006) to March 13th. This is to allow workers in the Gauteng region to also participate in the action, when they would otherwise have been hindered by the high profile case against ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma. He goes on trial on March 6th at the Johannesburg High Court.

All four unions have confirmed their participation in the national action and have reported a high level of preparedness and mobilisation. Security requirements for the Zuma trial will not allow such a large gathering of people in the Johannesburg CBD on the same day.

The programme remains intact in all nine provinces which means marches will be held in:


 * Western Cape
 * Kwazulu-Natal
 * Eastern Cape (East London and Port Elizabeth respectively)
 * Northern Cape (Kimberley)
 * Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga will hold a joint march.

It has been generally agreed that the strike action has been very successful since the launch of the regional phases on 30 January until 22 February 2006 when it was concluded. Unions noted the public disagreement between SACOB and Transnet over the actual cost of the action. This reflects the fact that this action is taking its toll on Transnet, despite their public pronouncements.

Meanwhile, COSATU, SACP and the ANC (Gauteng) have confirmed their participation in the five marches and have pledged their solidarity with the Transnet workers. We call on all Fedusa and Nactu to also join in and help the working class defend jobs and fight poverty, which will be a direct result of this restructuring exercise. The four unions have emerged united in preparation for the national strike, collectively committing themselves to participate and calling on all their members to participate in order to ensure that the action has maximum impact.

Having said that, the four unions would like to restate their commitment to meaningful engagement and to state that in pursuit of such an engagement they have agreed to hold yet another pre mediation meeting with Transnet, which will be held on Saturday (04-03-2006) under the auspices of Mr, Charles Nupen.

A meeting with Minister Alec Erwin is to be held on March 09.


 * For further information please contact Ronnie Mamba, National Media Officer, SATAWU, on 082 646 5353**