Transport union says rail strike yet to start

031110 A new study has found that SA coal reserves have been significantly downsized since 2003.photo by Simphiwe Mbokazi 453

031110 A new study has found that SA coal reserves have been significantly downsized since 2003.photo by Simphiwe Mbokazi 453

Published Oct 11, 2013

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Johannesburg - A strike at South Africa's Transnet Freight Rail has yet to start as the union was still in talks with the company, a spokesman for the transport union said on Friday.

The state-owned company told customers on Thursday it had received notice of a possible strike.

The walk-out had been expected to start at midnight on Thursday and was seen affecting delivery of coal to the Richard's Bay coal terminal, the world's largest by export capacity.

But Transport and Allied Workers Union spokesman Vincent Masoga said the strike was “pending certain discussions and possible interventions by management.”

He did not give a reason for the planned strike. Transnet was not available for comment.

Coal producers in South Africa include Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Exxaro, Optimum Coal and Glencore Xstrata. - Reuters

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