More unions join bus strike

Commuters across South Africa were left stranded because of the national bus drivers strike.

Commuters across South Africa were left stranded because of the national bus drivers strike.

Published Apr 22, 2013

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Johannesburg - Bus drivers for luxury liners will join the nationwide bus drivers' strike, their union said on Monday.

The Transport Omnibus Workers' Union (Towu) said passengers using Springbok Atlas Luxury Charters and the Unitrans Group (GreyHound Pty Ltd, Megic Bus, Mega Coach, and Citi Liner) would have no bus services from Wednesday.

“Towu had an urgent shop stewards' national council today, and a decision has been taken to compel the employers to agree to the workers' demands that resulted in a deadlock at the bargaining council,” said spokesman Malinge Plaatjie.

The Commuter Bus Employers Organisation (CBEO) said the CCMA had invited employers and the unions to reconvene talks.

Spokesman Barry Gie said the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration had asked all involved to meet in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

“We're hoping to get everyone involved to Joburg as soon as possible to begin the talks, but logistically it might not happen,” said Gie.

Piotrans drivers, who operate Johannesburg's Rea Vaya buses, have joined the nationwide strike that started last week.

Their drivers were demanding their salaries match the salaries of dispatchers.

The operator's spokesman, Dumisani Mntambo, said Rea Vaya dispatchers got R1500 more than drivers.

“Dispatchers do a lot more work than drivers do. It is accepted in our industry that they earn more than drivers,” said Mntambo.

Gautrain buses were still not in operation, its operating company said.

“The suspension of the bus services has placed enormous strain on our parking facilities at all stations,” said Bombela Concession Company spokeswoman Kelebogile Machaka.

The SA National Taxi Association (Santaco) said earlier in the day that there was a lot more activity than usual at the country's taxi ranks.

“We have ensured that taxis are not parked at the ranks. They must be in constant operation, so that the ranks are not overflowing with stranded commuters,” said Santaco secretary general Philip Taaibosch. - Sapa

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