MBOMBELA – Last week the Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) denied that its employees had embarked on a strike.
Private companies working in the transport industry had complained to this newspaper that the department’s employees had embarked on a protest, causing them to be unable to obtain important permits.
However, Mr David Nkambule, spokesman, explained that there wasn’t one as far as the DPWRT was aware.
“Strike actions are regulated in terms of the Labour Relations Act and therefore no notices have been brought to the attention of the department in this regard.”
He explained that it had been informed last Monday that the labour unions were briefing their members over the payment of performance bonuses. But, said Nkambule, the matter was still under discussion.
The department also managed to clear up a strike action with school-bus operators.
MEC for transport, Ms Dumisile Nhlengethwa had condemned the disruption of learner transport in Mbombela two weeks ago.
Operators of school buses went on a strike in some parts, apparently claiming they were owed outstanding payments by the DPWRT.
Nhlengethwa said, “The allegations that are levelled against the department of any outstanding payments are far from the truth. It takes strong exception to bad elements that are disrupting teaching and learning in schools, disguised as concerned operators.”
She said since learner transport was moved from education to the DPWRT, all invoices that were submitted and verified had been paid by her department. She also convened a meeting with the operators, but the department said they failed to attend, instead demanding to bring along others who were not contracted to the department.
Nkambule said on Friday that the matter with the disgruntled operators had since been resolved. “The parties met and discussed the issues and they agreed to return to the routes.”
He said the strike mainly affected routes in Barberton. He added, “Invoicing is not a problem in learner transport. The process of verifying invoices is quick and operators are paid on time for services rendered.”
