The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) has expressed shock and alarm over the decision by the Mthonjaneni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal to prohibit trucks from using the R66 road in Melmoth to transit through the town.
“It is astonishing that a municipality would make such a decision without contacting the appropriate parties. In fact, the decision is quite offensive and rude.”
Tshemese reminded the Municipality that SATAWU is a recognized union in the Road Freight Sector because it represents the vast majority of the sector’s employees.
“The organization is aware that there have been a few fatal accidents involving trucks on the R66; however, the union would like to state that none of our members have ever been involved in any of the accidents on the R66. In saying this, the union is not defending or justifying any accident, but is merely stating the facts,” she said.
She continued, “In fact, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union has called on all companies, relevant stakeholders, motorists, and workers to work together to determine the root cause of these avoidable truck accidents and potential solutions.”
Leaked audio reveals a truck driver in Pongola was attempting to elude police.
THE UNION BELIEVES THE DECISION SHOULD’VE BEEN DISCUSSED
As trucks hauling coal contribute billions of rands to the country’s economy, SATAWU believes it was only right for the Municipality to contact with relevant parties first and consider how the restriction on trucks on the R66 will inconvenience workers and the economy.
Tshemese continued by stating that it is also quite odd that the municipality is just targeting trucks and not light motor vehicles.
“The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union will not allow this go unchallenged; the organization will pursue this subject by first consulting with the Mayor of the Municipality to ensure that any decision made is lawful and proper. We advise our members to be calm, as the Union will be communicating with the Municipal Administration,” she concluded.
»SATAWU is stunned by the truck prohibition on the R66 in KZN«