CAPE TOWN - The United National Transport Union (Untu) has confirmed on Wednesday that its members would resume their duties in the Metrorail's Cape Town Central Line with immediate effect.
This follows a meeting held on Tuesday, between Prasa Rail and Untu, led by group chief executive officer, Cromet Melopo.
According to a statement issued by Untu, both parties have agreed that safety of their employees is paramount, hence the agreement was signed.
ALSO READ: Metrorail exerts pressure on Cape Town taxi business
Untu members will operate in the Central Line under the following agreement conditions:
- Two police officers escort the train driver
- Two police officers escort the metro train guard
- A police officer in the middle cab as back up
- Armed guards at the turn around stations
- Armed guards at all the "hot spot" train stations, including but not limited to; Netreg, Bonteheuwel, Heideveld, Nyanga and Langa.
- Police officers will accompany the train crew from the roster office
- Containers will be placed at the Bonteheuwel split with armed guards or police officers 24/7 with vehicles on the service roads within 30 days as from 16/01/18.
- Missing signals will be replaced and will be in full operation within 90 days.
ALSO READ: #UNTU demands 12% salary increase for next three years
The general-secretary of Untu, Steve Haris said that if Prasa and the SAPS have failed to honour the agreement, the Central Line services will be suspended again.
Untu has got a majority of members working for the rail agency. A huge number of commuters, especially workers relying on the Central Line trains have been affected. Re-opening the route would mean a decreased traffic volume and lengthy queues at the taxi ranks would revert to normality.
The services on the line were suspended after the murder of a security guard on January 10. Riana Scott, the Metrorail spokesperson said that later in January, they will be in a good position to disclose how has this matter affected their ticket sales.