Exporters Western Cape call for resolution of Transnet wage negotiations

The Exporters Western Cape has called on striking unions and Transnet to work together to speedily reach an agreement on the ongoing wage impasse.

This comes as fears rise that drawn-out negotiations between the parties will only cripple the economy with devastating effects.

“We appreciate the right to strike by the unions, however, we need to be cognisant of the long-term impact this can have on our fragile economy,” said Exporters Western Cape Chairman Terry Gale. “With this in mind, we trust that a solution is reached soonest to the benefit of all.”

The ongoing strike action that saw Transnet declare Force Majeure last week continues to impact exporters not only in the Western Cape but across the country.

“Every single day of ports not operating has a significant knock-on effect on exporters,” said Gale. “Not only does it impact the livelihoods of thousands of people working in the export sector but we are putting millions of rands of export revenue at risk.”

Gale warned that an ongoing strike would set South African exporters back significantly halting any recovery programmes while ultimately leaving the country uncompetitive. “As a representative of the growing export economy, we are monitoring the situation closely calling for all parties to work together and come to a resolution as soon as possible.”