bus strike

KHAYELITSHA, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 17: Commuters flock into a train during the nationwide bus strike on April 17, 2018 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Thousands were left stranded and many forced to stand in long queues following a crippling bus strike where at least 50 bus companies shut down services across the country on Wednesday, 17 April 2018. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Jaco Marais)

Bus strike update: Government to intervene with another general strike looming

With the bus strike still rolling on, South Africans continue to take severe strain across the country. We’ve got the latest update regarding what’s next in terms of this strike.

bus strike

KHAYELITSHA, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 17: Commuters flock into a train during the nationwide bus strike on April 17, 2018 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Thousands were left stranded and many forced to stand in long queues following a crippling bus strike where at least 50 bus companies shut down services across the country on Wednesday, 17 April 2018. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Jaco Marais)

The countrywide bus strike has continued on Tuesday morning as Western Cape commuters face the extra delays due to some heavy rain. While the province desperately needed rain, the residents would not have wanted it while they’re forced to stand in massive queues for packed taxis.

Bus Strike Update: What the unions are saying

If the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) is to be believed, then the situation is not going to end anytime soon. Numsa’s pressure is expected to encourage the Department of Labour to intervene and finally help reach an agreement.

“We call on all of you to intensify the strike. We wish to also once again express our apologies to the commuters for the inconvenience caused by the [bus] strike,” stated Numsa.

“We were forced into striking because it is the best weapon we have to force these cold-blooded bosses to treat workers like human beings. We hope the sacrifices we are all making will not be in vain.”

An additional Wednesday strike

Numsa has confirmed that it will also be participating in another national strike. This time over the R20 minimum wage and potential changes to labour law.

In terms of the buses, the parties are still deadlocked after being in talks for almost a week. Drivers are demanding a 9.5% salary increase in the first year and 9% in the second year. Their demands were originally 12% while their bosses offered just 7%.

Another big issue for drivers is the fact that backup drivers for long journeys are not counted as “working” during the time they are on the bus. They are only paid in full for the time that they are actually driving.

The SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) has explained that the intensified strike was a result of the “provocative attitudes” from employers during negotiations.

The one-day Wednesday strike is expected to be supported by Saftu members while ignored by The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu)