Metrorail strike rolls on

A strike by Metrorail workers continued into a fourth day on Thursday, despite a court interdict ordering them back to work, the company said.

“Metrorail management advises that the industrial action by members of the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union [Satawu] has entered its fourth day,” Metrorail spokesperson Sibusiso Ngomane said in a statement.

“[This is] in total disregard of the court interdict granted to the company on Tuesday ordering striking workers to return back to work.”

Ngomane said Metrorail services throughout Gauteng were affected, with the Johannesburg area the worst affected with operations limited to a 47% capacity.

Metrorail received a court interdict on Tuesday afternoon ordering Satawu members back to work. At the time Ngomane said the interdict gave them a 48 hour deadline.

Satawu spokesperson Zenzo Mhlangu confirmed workers were still striking.

He said that discussions were still continuing with the company over workers who were fired at the start of the strike.—Sapa