By Thomas Thale
THE strike by Metro bus drivers, now in its fifth week, could be over by the weekend.
Both Metrobus and union representatives on Friday expressed confidence that they were on the verge of reaching a settlement. The two parties were on Friday due to hold crucial, final talks which could pave the way for the drivers to resume duty.
If the meeting goes well as expected, buses could be back on the roads of the city as early as Monday morning.
Metrobus drivers heeded a call made jointly by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), two unions which represent the bulk of workers in the city, to down tools in protest against a newly introduced shift system. The drivers complained that the new shifts were too long and inconvenient.
The two parties appear to have narrowed down their differences following marathon talks held on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The talks were mediated by the CCMA.
Ephraim Thavhakhulu, spokesman for the SAMWU, which represents the majority of workers on strike, described the talks as "fruitful”, and expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached. "Our meeting with the MD took place in a cordial atmosphere. He agreed that the current shifts are not cast in stone, and from that, we can move forward.”
Ayanda Vilakazi, speaking on behalf of Metrobus, was more guarded in his response, but expressed "cautious optimism" that a settlement will be reached by tomorrow. "Unions will today identify problem areas with the current shift system and present their recommendation to the meeting."
The agreement could see the parties setting up a task team to review the shift system and to address other outstanding issues that have been raised by the workers. Thavhakhulu said a "rough schedule” could be temporarily used while a permanent one is being developed.
A press briefing to be addressed jointly by Metrobus management and the unions has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday. It is expected to officially announce the end of the strike.
