Transnet strike causes bulker and container ship backlog off South African ports

A strike launched last week by the two main labour unions for employees of South African state-owned ports and rail operator Transnet has led to a growing backlog of ships waiting for berths off the country’s main ports.

As negotiations between Transnet, the United National Transport Union, South African Transport and Allied Workers Union, and South Africa’s employment and labour minister Thulas Nxesi remain in deadlock, the backlog continues to grow.