Union gets go-ahead for strike

Johannesburg - A South African transport union said on Thursday it had received the go ahead to strike across the country's port, rail and pipeline operations from May 10 after wage talks with logistics firm Transnet failed.

A strike at monopoly Transnet could cripple transport of coal and iron ore exports, distribution of fuel and shipping in Africa's biggest economy.

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) and the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) represent some 85% of Transnet's workforce of around 50 000 people, the union said.

"Satawu now has a full mandate to go on strike from 10th May in support of its wage demands in Transnet. All indications are that Utatu will also receive a full mandate," the union said in a statement.