Johannesburg Metrobus drivers are set to return to work after management obtained an urgent court order compelling them to do so, the bus service said on Tuesday.
“This morning bus operators were informed of the ruling and they have now heeded instructions to return to work and operate their shifts,” Metrobus said in a statement.
“The bus service is gradually returning to normal and by tomorrow [Wednesday] it should be 100 percent operational.”
This was after Metrobus drivers continued striking against shift changes on Tuesday, despite a court interdict ordering them back to work, officials said earlier.
“No buses left the depots this morning,” said Metrobus managing director Herman van Laar.
Van Laar said the changes were meant to address “inefficiencies” in the current schedules. “The change is not that drastic.”
Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) spokesperson Simon Riekert said shop stewards were busy informing workers about the court interdict.
“We are gathering at the depots to inform members of the interdict... The problem is we still feel the employer hasn't come to the party as far as negotiations are concerned.”
The SA Municipal Workers Union was not immediately available for comment. -
Sapa