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Strikers march through Joburg

Johannesburg - A colourful crowd of Transnet workers started marching peacefully to their employer's office in Johannesburg on Friday to demand a 15% wage increase.

"Look at it... it's a sea of red, yellow and white... and people of all colours," said protester Jacob Dludlu, a member of the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu), which is affiliated to trade federation Cosatu.

Members of Satawu and the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu), affiliated to the Federation of Unions of SA, were marching side by side, wearing colourful union T-shirts and singing and blowing on vuvuzelas.

"There is spirit in this march," said Dludlu.

The Transnet workers had gathered at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown to march to Inyanda House in Parktown.

Protesters were carrying placards stating: "Maharaj, you bloody agent," apparently referring to Transnet group executive for human resources, Pradeep Maharaj.

The "bloody agent" part was reminiscent of the insult ANC Youth League president Julius Malema recently directed at a  BBC journalist, who he called a "bastard" and a "bloody agent".

Other placards suggested that Maharaj go "back to India".

"India is where you will find 8%t", another read.

The unions are demanding a 15% increase, rejecting Transnet's latest offer of 11% which it upped from 8%.

Organisers urged protesters to march peacefully, after the strike by Transnet workers this week was characterised by sporadic incidents of violence, sabotage and intimidation.

Policemen on horses kept a close eye on marchers.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration was expected to meet with all three parties on Friday in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
 
   
Source : Sapa

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