Bus strike unions on opposite sides of the road

TRADE unions in the bus sector have conflicting opinions on the possible end to the national bus strike over wages.

The Transport and Omnibus Workers Union (Towu) yesterday expressed optimism that the strike, which has entered its third week, was likely to end at the weekend.

The minority union’s stance followed an organised labour meeting with majority union the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) in Johannesburg yesterday.

Towu spokesman Malinge Plaatjie said there was a general feeling that the unions would suspend the strike, but it would depend on the meeting with the Commuter Bus Employers Association (CBEA) tomorrow.

“There might be light at the end of the tunnel. Labour agrees in principle that the strike should be resolved. There is a possibility that the workers will return to work on Monday. ”

“I do not know about the light at the end of the tunnel,” Satawu spokesman Vincent Masoga said. “All I know is that we are meeting the employer on Wednesday. … I am certain we want a double digit increase.”

CBEA president Klaus Heimes said Satawu had presented them with a new offer on Friday. He said the employer body’s position was still an offer of 9%.

Last week when negotiations reached a deadlock, unions were demanding a 13% increase.