/ 28 March 2007

Bus drivers report for work, say employers

The South Africa Bus Employers’ Association (Sabea) said all staff reported for duty on Wednesday morning in accordance with a Labour Court ruling, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported.

On Tuesday, the court granted an interim order in favour of Sabea preventing a strike planned for Wednesday. This means that any strike will now be unprotected and illegal.

The court ordered the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union, the Transport and Allied Workers’ Union and the Transport and Omnibus Workers’ Union to file responding papers within a month and the matter is due back in court on April 30.

Workers are demanding a 13% pay increase, while Sabea is offering 5%.

Bus lines involved include Golden Arrow in the Western Cape, Putco in Gauteng, Mayibuye and Algoa in the Eastern Cape, North West Star and the Limpopo-based Great North Transport. — Sapa