Negotiations to end the ongoing Metrobus strike between the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the City of Johannesburg were on Friday postponed to Monday.
Municipal spokesperson Gabu Tugwana said new negotiators were introduced on Friday in a bid to speedily reach an agreement with the union.
He said the union’s grievances included sick leave pay, sacked shop stewards and a review of a number of disciplinary procedures.
Although talks between the union and the municipality had resumed, bus operations were still suspended.
”While the City of Johannesburg is determined to discuss matters which will resolve the strike, we could not risk resuming bus service under dangerous conditions. We can’t compromise the safety of passengers, drivers and property,” said Tugwana.
He said an agreement by both parties would pave the way for peaceful operational conditions.
”As stated repeatedly, the city enters talks with an open mind and is eager to resume the bus service. We hope Samwu will also be sharing this constructive approach.”
Tugwana appealed to Metrobus commuters to continue using alternative transport until an agreement had been reached.
A number of violent incidents, which left three drivers dead, had taken place since the strike began in January.
Last Friday, Metrobus temporarily suspended operations after one of its buses was found burnt out at the Kagiso cemetery near Krugersdorp. The charred bodies of two Metrobus employees were found inside the bus.
It is believed that the bus was hijacked while taking Metrobus employees to work.
On Sunday, the bus company offered a R50 000 reward for information that would help track down those responsible for the attacks on their bus drivers.
Tugwana said the two deceased drivers, Richard Marhule (60) and Orphan Sennelo (49) would be buried at the same cemetery on Saturday after a funeral service at the Kagiso community hall. – Sapa