THERE is hope for an end to the two-week strike in the fuel industry.
The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppapwu) and the National Petroleum Employers Association (NPEA) yesterday expressed optimism ahead of their meeting at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) today.
The mediation effort follows previous attempts to end the impasse at the National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry.
Ceppapwu spokesperson Simon Mofokeng said he expected the employer body, which represents refineries and petroleum dealers, would come to the party after the union had lowered its demand from an initial 13percent to 9,5percent.
"We go to negotiations with the hope that there is going to be a resolution to the dispute. Having lowered our demand shows our commitment to the resolution of the dispute," Mofokeng said.
He said that there was no movement on demands pertaining to social issues such as six months maternity leave and job security.
NPEA chairman Mxolisi Ratsibe said: "We are hopeful that tomorrow's (today's) meeting will present an opportunity for the parties to end the strike. We are going there with the open mind."
Fuel wage strike could end today
THERE is hope for an end to the two-week strike in the fuel industry.
The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppapwu) and the National Petroleum Employers Association (NPEA) yesterday expressed optimism ahead of their meeting at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) today.
The mediation effort follows previous attempts to end the impasse at the National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry.
Ceppapwu spokesperson Simon Mofokeng said he expected the employer body, which represents refineries and petroleum dealers, would come to the party after the union had lowered its demand from an initial 13percent to 9,5percent.
"We go to negotiations with the hope that there is going to be a resolution to the dispute. Having lowered our demand shows our commitment to the resolution of the dispute," Mofokeng said.
He said that there was no movement on demands pertaining to social issues such as six months maternity leave and job security.
NPEA chairman Mxolisi Ratsibe said: "We are hopeful that tomorrow's (today's) meeting will present an opportunity for the parties to end the strike. We are going there with the open mind."