South African fuel strike ends.

07 Aug, 2007

Fuel industry workers have ended their eight-day strike after employers and unions bowed to public opinion and the government and reached a compromise deal over disputed pay. However, the fuel shortages that have crippled parts of the country over the past week are expected to continue for a few days. The regions worst affected were Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Under the terms of the agreement fuel industry workers will get an 8.5 per cent wage increase, backdated to 1 July. This is 1.5 per cent less than the original demand. The settlement also includes remuneration for employees who work 24-hour shifts and provisions for the resolution of outstanding maternity leave concerns.