Pretoria- Over 65 percent of staff at Transnet reported for work yesterday following days of protest action, said Transnet.
Transnet said employees reported for work yesterday after one of the two unions-the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu), terminated its strike on Friday.
The transport parastatal which is responsible for freight, rail, pipeline and port services said it had been able to move all critical flows including World Cup cargo and jet fuel.
"In addition, the strike has not resulted in any fuel shortages in South Africa," said Transnet spokesperson John Dludlu.
In some of the parastatal's operations, work attendance was as high as 100 percent with most operations steadily returning to normal. Members of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) were also showing up for work, said Transnet.
"We are pleased at the turnout; and we would like to thank our colleagues for placing the interests of the country ahead of short-term gains. The offer, which we are in the process of implementing, is fair and generous and at the limits of affordability and reasonableness," said acting chief executive Chris Wells.
The parastatal has offered labour an11 percent across the board increase which Satawu has rejected.
"For those who have returned to work, I wish to assure them that the company will do all it can to ensure their safety and security. The company has also taken all steps to ensure the safety of assets during the continued strike by Satawu members.
"Whilst it will not be possible to return to normality immediately, we are striving to do so as swiftly as possible and I appeal to our customers for patience and their continuing co-operation as we do so," explained Wells.
Transnet said the violence and vandalism it had experienced due to strike action that began on 10 May had been managed. Over 30 arrests have been made that include a striker who was arrested with a petrol bomb at the weekend. The number of damaged locomotives now stands at 32 this after a locomotive was damaged in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
Due to damages caused Transnet is offering a reward of R100 000 to anyone with information that can lead to the successful prosecution of those behind the damage of the company's locomotives.
Meanwhile, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) voiced its concern over the strike.
"The Chamber regards strikes that threaten the national delivery infrastructure as the greatest threat to South Africa's economic performance. Such behaviour paints a hostile labour environment in the country to visitors and potential investors.
"SACCI is of the view that in many instances short term gains are being pursued at the risk of long term prosperity. SACCI again appeals to all stakeholders to put South Africa first and to seek a speedy resolution to the current impasse," said SACCI.
