Richards Bay Coal Workers Strike, But Operations Unaffected

12th Jul 2010 13:58

By Robb M. Stewart Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES JOHANNESBURG (Dow Jones)--Workers at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal on South Africa's east coast went on strike Monday after rejecting a pay offer, but the company that operates the terminal said operations haven't been affected. RBCT, one of the world's largest single coal terminals, said members of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union rejected its offer of a 9.5% increase in wages. A spokesman for the union confirmed the strike, but said he couldn't currently comment further. The union represents roughly 100 workers at RBCT, he said. The coal terminal opened in 1976 and has a design capacity of 91 million metric tons a year. RBCT said production is running normally and its focus is to ensure there is a minimal impact on operations from the strike. "All the required machines, both on the off-loading of trains and loading of ships are fully operational," said Raymond Chirwa, chief executive officer of RBCT. "We trust that SATAWU members will be reasonable and that they will accept this offer." A spokewoman for RBCT said roughly 70 workers are currently on strike. The terminal is owned by coal producers including Anglo American PLC (AAL.LN) and BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP). -By Robb M. Stewart, Dow Jones Newswires; +27 11 783 7848; [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 12, 2010 08:58 ET (12:58 GMT)