Cosatu plans strike action over trains

AS more trains were delayed yesterday, Cosatu said that it would embark on strike action if the situation regarding the late trains continued.

Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said trains were delayed by 60 minutes and more. Scott said that vandalism at train stations occurred on Sunday evening. Other factors included a faulty track circuit at Sarepta and Bonteheuwel stations, as well as a faulty train at Nyanga station.

Cosatu provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich said the situation on the trains was getting worse. He said there was a lack of adequate security on the trains. “Workers are losing wages due to late arrivals and need to spend additional money for alternative transport, when trains do not arrive; even after they bought a weekly ticket. The late arrivals are also starting to impact on the viability of companies,” he said.

Ehrenreich said Metrorail and all spheres of government needed to urgently address the matter. “The only indications that we are closer to a solution is that it will take two years, as the signalling systems and new trains will still be on its way by then… “

There are also no plans to direct buses to the Cape Flats, he said.

“Cosatu demands that the ticket prices be reduced by 50%, so workers can pay for alternative transport when trains are not running effectively. This reduction would also help mitigate the losses of wages due to late arrivals. We need a Marshall Plan that utilises all the possible resources to solve the public transport crisis,” he said.