Dockers in South Africa have gone on a strike

Dockers in South Africa have gone on a strike

On Oct. 7, South African port terminal operator Transnet declared force majeure at all ports in the country after its employees began a strike over pay. South Africa is the latest country to see port workers go on strike, which threatens to paralyze operations at the country's major ports and its rail network.

Transnet Ports Terminals operates South Africa's main ports and its parent company's freight rail network, which will also be affected by the strike. Transnet's main union, the South African National Transport Union (UNTU), said its workers would begin strike action on Thursday. Another union, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), also said it would take part in the strike from Monday 10 October.

They represent about 48,500 workers employed by Transnet, or about 86 percent of the company's work force, according to union data. Both unions have protested Transnet's offer of a 3% wage increase for workers, saying it is below South Africa's 7.6% inflation rate. Transnet had previously doubled its offer from 1.5% to 3% to avoid strike action. According to local reports, Transnet deemed the strike illegal and responded by declaring force majeure at its ports. The strike is expected to have a significant impact on South Africa's economy.

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