Update on ongoing industrial action at Metrobus
Commuters are urged to seek alternative transport from May 10.
Despite efforts by Metrobus management, the industrial action by employees under the burner of the Democratic Municipal Workers Union of South Africa (DEMAWUSA) has not stopped.
Management has met with the union and stated its position, which is per the principles of orderly collective bargaining as outlined in Labour Relations legislation.
Goodwill Shivuri, Metrobus communications, said management must commend the majority of employees (98.6 per cent) who have faithfully presented themselves for duty since the commencement of the strike.
However, due to ongoing threats of violence, these employees are not able to render services to the citizens of Johannesburg. This is also because of the unfortunate history of violence that has marred industrial action at Metrobus in the past, leading to the unfortunate loss of life and injury.
“Although only a handful of employees are withholding their labour in support of the strike, the nature of our operations is such that normal operations cannot resume without exposing employees to danger. The recognised labour unions at Metrobus, SAMWU and IMATU, have confirmed that none of their members are on strike and that they stand ready to resume normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
“The leadership of these two formations must be thanked for their efforts in ensuring their members remain ready to serve the citizens of Johannesburg.
“Because of the situation, management apologises to all commuters for the ongoing hardship and inconvenience that our commuters are experiencing. We are utilising all avenues available to us to bring this industrial action to a stop to allow normal operations to resume.
“We encourage our commuters to make alternative travelling arrangements for the week commencing May 10. Metrobus remains committed to ensuring safe, reliable transport to our commuters as soon as it is safe and practical to do so,” he said.
