/ 29 April 2009

Metro bus strike talks at ‘advanced stage’

The Johannesburg Metro Bus drivers’ strike will enter its third day on Thursday, although talks are at an advanced stage, the company said.

”We still urge commuters to make alternative transport arrangements, however, the negotiations are at an advanced stage following this morning’s talks with the union,” spokesperson Kenney Kutu said on Wednesday.

”We will meet tomorrow [Thursday] morning to present a proposal to the union concerning salaries.”

Metro Bus commuters’ tickets would be extended and they would not forfeit trips because of the strike.

”Once again we want to apologise profusely to our customers.”

South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) spokesperson Dion Makhura said: ”They didn’t give us an offer today, but they told us they would be making an offer on wages tomorrow.”

Samwu had argued that employees within a certain salary band were unable to move up to the next pay notch, regardless of their experience.

Kutu denied reports that ”make it sound like workers have never had increases”.

He said although a driver who had worked for Metro Bus for 10 years and a new employee got the same salary, the annual increase did make a difference.

”With the increase it won’t be the same. People are confusing salary progression with salary increases.”

Samwu shop steward Dion Makhura said all drivers earned a monthly wage of R7 021, regardless of how many years they had served the company. — Sapa