Francesca Villette
THOUSANDS of MyCiTi bus commuters could be scrambling to find alternative transport this morning following an illegal strike by 110 bus drivers, which could affect the operation of 60 buses on four of the service’s main routes.
The drivers, employed by Kidrogen – one of the city’s four MyCiTi vehicle operating companies – are demanding a 100 percent salary increase, among other things.
Yesterday, some of the drivers slowed traffic by abandoning the buses in the dedicated bus lane at the MyCiTi bus station in Table View.
They were escorted by public order police to the Dunoon depot, where other unhappy drivers had gathered.
Violence erupted when about 100 drivers ignored an order to disperse and police fired rubber bullets at them. The peaceful strike was hijacked by a small group of people who threw stones at police. Police responded with rubber bullets.
Kidrogen chief executive BG Ncube said the company would seek legal advice as it was “not sure what happened”.
Ncube said that on Tuesday the drivers handed over a list of demands, for medical aid, housing subsidy and a 100 percent salary increase, among other things. The drivers were told that their demands would be considered.
“Human resources told them they would (reply) as soon as possible. We have no idea why this wildcat strike started. Our drivers earn above the minimum wage. It’s like they just woke up and decided to go on strike,” Ncube said.
The mayoral committee member for transport, Brett Herron, said buses on the Table
View, Dunoon, Atlantis and the Table View and Century City feeder routes were affected.
Last night, the city was trying to arrange for other operators to help out on the affected routes.
“Additional buses are being dispatched to the civic centre to assist in ensuring commuters will not be stranded during the afternoon peak hours,” Herron said. “Station staff at the civic centre and on the trunk route will tell passengers of delays.”
A driver said the R6 000 a month he earned was not enough to feed his family of five. “We want people to hear our cry.”
Commuters may call 0800 656 463 for bus updates.