Negotiations between Metrobus and the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) were still deadlocked on Thursday and no further talks had taken place to end a month-long strike, the union said.
“There are no talks currently, since Monday. I think though that it’s time to communicate with them [Metrobus] so we can end the strike,” said Samwu spokesperson Dumisani Langa.
“The strike should have been over by Monday … unfortunately Metrobus withdrew their offer on Friday that we were going to accept,” he said.
Langa was referring to an offer in which 91 striking bus drivers would have been given priority when shifts were chosen in a new shift system.
“We first said that 156 strikers be given preference,” said Langa.
Samwu initially demanded that Metrobus revert back to an old shift system.
On the old shifts, drivers started at 4.30am, had an hour’s tea break, an hour-and-a-half lunch break and finished work at 3pm.
On the new shifts, drivers started at 4.30am, had an unpaid lunch-break from 9am to 2pm and finished work at 7pm.
“When we went back to the table that day they were no longer interested.”
Resolve issues timeously
The union said its aim was to resolve issues timeously as the public were suffering.
“We are from the same community … whatever we do will affect them,” said Langa.
Metrobus suspended its service a month ago when the strike started, even though only 70 drivers out of 500 were refusing to work.
No buses were running for fear of intimidation against those not participating in the strike.
The non-striking workers were still getting paid.
Langa said striking workers would survive without a month’s salary, which averaged at R8 600.
“In 2007, our members participated in a strike for three months without pay and managed to survive. Whatever strategy they used back then, I am sure they will use this time,” he said.
Metrobus was not immediately available for comment. — Sapa