Johannesburg - The Federation of Unions of South Africa has condemned the continued attacks on Metrorail coaches and infrastructure in Cape Town, calling the situation “a state of emergency”.
They also posed a threat to workers who used the trains, said Fedusa general secretary Dennis George.
“This is completely unacceptable as it places an undue burden and stress on students, work seekers, breadwinners and parents who are faced with hefty fines for late collection of children at day care and after care services, along with forking out hundreds of rand for alternate transportation arrangements,” said George.
“We certainly have an obligation towards the working class and the poorest of the poor, who are reliant on the service on a daily basis. Likewise, Fedusa calls on business, the chairperson of Prasa and the Western Cape government to take due cognisance and extend an empathetic line regarding the pending crisis.”
There have been several arson attacks causing up to three hour delays on a daily basis.
Metrorail has linked the attacks to illegal strike action by the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union, who are calling for higher salaries, the permanent employment of fixed contract workers, and an end to outsourcing.
Labour Bureau