Labour Strike Over Wages in South Africa to Disrupt Port Operations

Transnet, the South African rail and port authority, issued a notice on 6 October 2022 that their employees would be embarking on a labour strike related to wage increase demands. According to the authority, major rail and port operations will be affected, but they are putting in place contingency plans to minimise any disruptions. Transnet believes the strike is illegal and responded by declaring force majeure at its ports. It is anticipated that the labour strike might continue until Monday 10 October 2022, if workers’ demands are not met. With the South African citrus season wrapping up, it is hoped that shipments during this period will not be affected by the labour strike. Time sensitive blueberry exports could however be affected and exporters are advised to take action accordingly.