A dispute over a change in shift patterns led to a short work stoppage in the Durban port on Thursday, raising concerns about a wildcat strike and that the Pier 2 Container Terminal would be impacted if the industrial action dragged on.
Concerned transporters said morning shift workers had downed tools to highlight several grievances with Transnet. A video showing scores of workers protesting circulated on social media on Thursday morning.
“Pier 2 morning shift has just gone on a work stoppage as they are not happy with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) introducing a fourth shift and a few other issues,” one transporter, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
It is not clear at this stage which union instigated the industrial action.
Another transporter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that port users had awoken to what appeared to be a wildcat strike, which was already impacting their business operations.
However, Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi told Freight News that there had not been any interruption to the port’s business operations and that workers had gone back to work after a “brief work stoppage”.
“There was no wildcat strike. There was a brief work stoppage. The shift has resumed and there’s been no impact (on) operations,” Shezi said.
A transporter confirmed at around 10h00 that employees had started to return to work after Transnet management had engaged with them.
