The key areas affected are the Durban and Richards Bay ports, where we're expecting close to 100% participation.

No matter which way you try and spin it, there's no doubt the strike has been effective.

There's been a credibility problem with management. They've conducted themselves in an arrogant, imposing and unilateral manner.

There will be no mediation unless unilateral decision making is stopped.

The strike has started on a highly successful note. From the response we have received from all the metropolitan areas, it is clear that train services have been severely affected.

At the end of the day there will be job losses no matter what.

Everything possible must be done to avoid it (job losses) and it (restructuring) has to be done in that spirit.

We go there with an open mind and objectivity but we do not have much hope that we will find a political solution to the dispute.

We will demonstrate to the minister of public enterprises how 'misguided' we can be on March 6, when we will bring commuter transport, freight export lines, business units and subsidiaries, including SA Airways, to a complete standstill for 24 hours.

We are not going to return to the table until they change their attitude. This is a one day national strike, we will assess the situation and decide the way forward.