This letter is written with reference to our previous statement issued on 02 October 2020. The statement raised concerns regarding the taxi violence that had erupted in the Port of Ngqura. The provision of transport services to employees was subsequently affected. The employer, on the other end, was adamant to violate the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) by attempting to suspend these services. Accordingly, the union demanded that the employer refrains from violating labour relations and undermining collective bargaining.
Apart from requesting a meeting with management, the union approached the Minister of Public Enterprises (Pravin Gordhan) for intervention. The union highlighted to the Minister that the taxi violence was a criminal act aimed at sabotaging port operations. The DPE (Department of Public Enterprises) committed to involving the Ministry of Police to address the criminal elements in question.
Finally, the Minister of Public Enterprises assured SATAWU that an urgent meeting between TPT management, the DPE, Ministry of Police and organised labour will be convened without delay. A comprehensive report tabling meeting outcomes will be provided/circulated after the fact.