Around 23 000 workers in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors belonging to the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) downed tools this week as they seek a 9% wage increase.

Fuel suppliers assured SAA that there are contingency measures in place to avoid operational disruptions stemming from the strike action, SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, said in a statement on Friday.

“SAA has been assured by its suppliers that there are fuel reserves in place to ensure continuous supply for the foreseeable future.

“Should the reserves be depleted, SAA will activate its own contingency measures to mitigate the impact of fuel shortage on its operations.”

Tlali said no flights had been impacted as a result of the strike. “Refuelling of our aircraft at all five domestic stations SAA flies to has not been disrupted in any way,” he said.

SAA will issue a travel advisory should the situation change for the worse.

Motorists were advised on Thursday not to rush to petrol stations, as indicated in some reports.

The SA Petroleum Retailers Association said it is not the petrol attendants who are negotiating their wages at the moment. Their negotiations will likely take place later in the year.

In the past it has happened that, during a CEPPAWU strike, truck drivers were prevented from leaving refineries or depots.

- News24.com