Fuel strike talks stall

The National Petroleum Employers' Association (NPEA) says that no further negotiations are planned to end the country’s petrol strike‚ although employers are available to meet.

This as wage negotiations between the Chemical‚ Energy‚ Paper‚ Printing‚ Wood and Allied Workers' Union (CEPPWAWU) and employers remained deadlocked on Friday.

Speaking to TMG Digital on Monday‚ the NPEA deputy chairman Zimisele Majamane said that it is not clear what the next step will be in resolving the wage dispute.

CEPPWAWU members are asking for a 9% wage increase‚ but employers are offering 7%. The parties failed to reach an agreement on Friday.

As the strike continues‚ Majamane said that the only way forward is to return to the negotiation table. “There is no formal step that needs to take place‚ except for parties to meet up again and try to resolve the issues to end the strike. At this stage we unfortunately don't have any meetings planned. As employers we are available to meet.”

Majamane said that NPEA members had indicated that areas in which petrol pumps had run dry have now been reached. “They are currently able to deliver fuel with minimal disruption throughout the country."

The South African Petroleum Industry Association tweeted on Friday that the replenishing of service stations was progressing well.

Residents in Gauteng's Westonaria reported on Monday‚ however‚ that filling stations in the area were still affected.