Johannesburg Metrobus said it would not operate on Tuesday because of a planned strike by its drivers.
”Based on the labour court ruling which ruled in the favour of the union on Friday in the salary dispute issue and what the union is saying, the drivers are definitely going on strike tomorrow [Tuesday],” said Johannesburg Metrobus spokesperson Kenneth Kutu on Monday.
The Labour Court ruled in favour of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), saying the issue of salary progression can be negotiated at company level.
Kutu said the company had decided not to operate at all although there were drivers who were willing to work because ”we could not guarantee their safety”.
”We urge all our commuters and contract clients to make alternative transport arrangements during this period. We hope to start negotiations with the union as soon as possible.”
On Friday Samwu spokesman Dumisani Langa said they would embark on industrial action on Tuesday.
”Metrobus workers will go ahead with the strike. Apart from salary issues we will be calling for the removal of one senior manager we believe is corrupt.
”We have documented proof that he was the one who bribed police officers to assault our shop stewards and members during the 2007 strike,” Langa said. — Sapa