Union lambastes contractors as petrol strike drags on

Johannesburg – Independent contractors delivering fuel to petrol stations as part of the contingency plan to prevent them from running dry could be paid thousands of rands, according to a union representative.

Clement Chitja, head of collective bargaining at the Chemical Energy Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppwawu), told Fin24 that independent contractors are paid by delivery for their services, as opposed to the hourly rate members are paid.

“One delivery by contractors could be up to R12 000, whether the delivery was completed in an hour or not,” said Chitja. Members are paid R98 per hour, he said.

The petrol strike, which started on July 28, is entering its second week. An agreement between unions and employers could not be reached at a meeting held last week.

Read: No end in sight for petrol strike

There is a possibility that unions will meet again with the National Petroleum Employers’ Association (NPEA) at some point, said Zimisele Majamane, deputy chair of the NPEA. The association is offering a 7% increase this year, and a consumer price index increase plus 1.5% next year in April, said Majamane.

“At this stage we believe given the current economic situation and the petrol industry at large, the offer is fair,” he said.

“Last year and at the beginning of this year, a number of oil companies implemented cost cutting measures. They would not have cut costs if they weren’t struggling,” he said.

Ceppwawu is yet to report to national leadership for direction on its next move, said Chitja. The strike and pickets will continue. He said the union is open to negotiations, but that 9% is a “dealbreaker”.

Chitja said that if employers are able to use independent contractors and “pay thousands” for their services, the greater economic environment is not an issue when it comes to meeting workers' demands. The South African Petroleum Industry Association could not be reached for comment. 

There is confirmation that some “dry sites” have received fuel, said Majamane. “At this stage, members believe contingency plans are effective.”

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