Truck drivers forum confirms planned national shutdown temporarily suspended
Truckers are accusing the Department of Labour of ignoring unfair labour practices in the freight industry, including the hiring of foreign nationals.
Trucks on the N2 highway in KwaZulu-Natal. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) has confirmed that a planned national shutdown is temporarily suspended.
Massive traffic disruptions were expected on Monday morning, after the forum threatened to take over major routes.
The organisation accused the Department of Labour of ignoring unfair labour practices in the freight industry, including the hiring of foreign nationals.
ATDF-ASA national secretary Gugu Sokhela said they decided to suspend the shutdown following a meeting with the department.
“We have had some commitments from those two departments, which is Home Affairs and the Department of Labour. There is a plan from today [Monday] that will be put into place, so we have temporarily suspended.”
However, the chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure - Tebello Mosikili - said police would remain on high alert to prevent any disruptions.
“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to ensure there are no criminal activities and that law-abiding citizens are not inconvenienced in any way. We call on the road freight industry workers to communicate their grievances within the confines of the law.”