MyCiTi strikers turn to EFF for support

STRIKING MyCiTi workers have called on the EFF to help them in their fight for better pay.

On Monday, about 1 000 MyCiTi bus route employees – including drivers, security guards and tellers – embarked on an unprotected strike, demanding, among others, the scrapping of labour brokers’ wages and working conditions.

They were also unhappy that their union, Numsa, was not taking up their demands.

The strike entered its second day yesterday with the employees calling on the EFF to help them make their demands a reality.

EFF regional secretary Banzi Dambuza said the party tried to engage with city representatives yesterday, but nothing transpired.

“We will wait until someone comes to talk to us,” Dambuza said.

Mayco member for transport Brett Herron said some of the bus drivers who participated in the unprotected strike had slowly arrived and reported for duty, but the majority of the MyCiTi routes were still not operational.

“I received this letter which indicates the EFF is allegedly involved with the unprotected bus drivers’ strike.

‘‘In this letter, the EFF calls on ‘fighters to put on a militant approach’ with regards to the unprotected strike. I am dismayed and appalled.

‘‘The bus drivers are employed by the Vehicle Operating Companies (VOCs) operating the MyCiTi bus routes, and not the city.

‘‘Given that this is an unprotected strike, they are not paid and they may face disciplinary action once they return to work.

‘‘Also, I am extremely concerned about the impact the strike has had on the MyCiTi service,” said Herron.

He has urged the VOCs and their employees to arrange a meeting as soon as possible.

Commuters can contact the Transport Information Centre 24/7 on 0800 65 64 63 for the latest information regarding the service, or follow @MyCiTibus on Twitter, or visit the Facebook page ‘MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transit System’.