Pretoria - The South African Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) has thanked the public for its patience during the petroleum sector strike, which ended on Thursday.
"We thank the public for their patience during this trying period. Sapia and its member companies are pleased that the dispute has been ended as the strike did not only affect fuel delivery in Gauteng, but also striking employees who stand to lose financially as a result of the 'no work no pay' principle," said Sapia executive director, Avhapfani Tshifularo.
Unions, including the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers (Ceppwawu); South African Chemical Workers Union; General Industries Workers' Union of SA and Solidarity signed a revised 8.5% salary increase across the board with employers.
The parties signed the agreement after meeting under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The strike action, which began on 11 July, has led to fuel shortages in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Trade unions and petroleum companies resumed talks on Tuesday.
"Employees have already started returning to work and are working hard to ensure that the delivery of fuel to hotspot areas is stabilised," Tshifularo said.
He also thanked the National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry and the role played by the CCMA in facilitating negotiations between the unions and the National Petroleum Employers' Association.
Ceppwawu national policy coordinator, John Appolis, said workers were expected back at work today, with the latest day being on Monday.