Durban - The CCMA has been approached to mediate wage negations between Tolcon Lehumo and striking transport workers, their union said on Wednesday.
"We are waiting for a letter from the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) to confirm a meeting date to discuss the workers' salaries with the employer," said SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) KwaZulu-Natal secretary Joseph Dube.
On Saturday, Satawu KwaZulu-Natal members went on strike to demand a R3 500 a month basic salary.
Toll collectors reportedly earn less than R2 500 a month.
Dube said Satawu was giving Tolcon Lehumo until Friday to return to the negotiating table.
"If there are no negotiations by Friday, we will intensify the strike by calling on Gauteng, Western Cape and Free State to join the strike. We have informed them to be on standby," Dube said.
Tolcon Lehumo spokesperson Coral-Lynn Fraser said it was not in negotiations with the union.
"We don't know their demands. There has been no formal process where the union has tabled its demands," she said.
Fraser said the company was committed to structured negotiations.
"The union needs to want to negotiate and put their demands forward," she said. "It's not something that should be fought in the media."
She said Tolcon Lehumo had been in contact with the CCMA in KwaZulu-Natal.
"We have indicated to the CCMA that we are willing to negotiate with the union, but as yet no meeting has been confirmed."
Tollgates expected to be affected by the strike include Oribi, Port Shepstone, Mariannhill, Mooi River and Tugela Plaza, near Ladysmith.
Fraser said only 181 workers were on strike and that temporary workers had been put in place at the four tollgates.
"We have been operating as normal and authorities are on full alert to ensure the safe passage of motorists.
"A court interdict was granted in favour of Tolcon Lehumo to prevent striking employees from interfering with traffic and the normal operations of the toll plazas," she said.