Awwal 15, 1432 H/Feb 18, 2011, SPA -- Striking South African truckers and employers were on Friday discussing a revised wage offer aimed at ending a nearly week-long strike that has slowed transport in Africa's largest economy, Reuters reported. The strike, marred by violence, has caused some petrol stations to run dry and raised concerns that a prolonged walk-out could hurt businesses and state power provider Eskom. "We confirmed to them last night that the offer of a 9 percent increase this year and 8.5 percent next year was an absolute final offer," said Magretia Brown-Engelbrecht, labour manager with the employers' Road Freight Association. Unions on Friday had been expected to deliver their verdict on the new offer, which is more than double the inflation rate, but instead opted for more talks. The employers' initial offer was for a 7.5 percent raise this year and 7.5 percent next year. The South African Allied Transport Worker's Union, the biggest union in the industry, and three others walked off the job at the weekend, demanding a 20 percent pay increase over the next two years, housing allowances and shorter hours. More than 30,000 truckers, who serve retailers and other businesses in South Africa and neighbouring states, have taken part in the strike. Eskom, which receives nearly 30 per cent of its coal by road, said it had not received supplies since Wednesday. But it has 40 days of coal stockpiles, which should cushion it from supply disruptions. Spokeswoman Hilary Joffe said a long strike would have devastating consequences. -- SPA
