Bus strike to have big impact on commuters

CHAOS is expected on the country’s roads today as the nationwide bus strike starts.

Commuters have been urged to make use of alternative transport.

The strike comes after negotiations involving five transport unions failed to reach an agreement.

Metrorail said that bus commuters would have to purchase train tickets as clip cards would not be accepted.

“Although we are unable to add extra trains to the current schedule, Metrorail will run additional trips extending to its peak hour services on the northern and southern routes,” it said.

GO GEORGE bus drivers will also embark on a strike today.

“Due to a national trade union strike in which GO GEORGE drivers will participate, and reports received at this stage, indications are that all services will be suspended from today until further notice,” Metrorail said.

Trade union federation Cosatu has voiced its concerns about the bus strike.

“Already the public transport system is a disaster, and buses have been taking up the problems caused by the Metrorail disaster.

“The effect on the economy will be disastrous as workers are unable to get to work during a bus strike,” said Cosatu’s provincial sectary, Tony Ehrenreich.

He expected a wage settlement of a 9% increase to be reached.

The unions are demanding a one-year 12% across-the-board wage increase agreement, along with a basic minimum wage of R8 000.

The unions collectively represent 16 000 workers in the bus sector.

Sixty-two bus services will be affected nationwide.

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry said this highlighted problems in the industry’s labour legislation.

“Conditions vary considerably across the country. In Cape Town, for instance, we already have a big problem with public transport.

“Metrorail is in a state of crisis, the roads are congested and the last thing we need is for the buses to stop running,” said Cape Chamber president Janine Myburgh.