February 27, 2003
By Thomas Thale
HUNDREDS of Metro Bus drivers downed tools on Thursday, leaving commuters across the city stranded - and the strike looks set to be drawn out.
The drivers, who are opposed to the newly introduced shift system, went on strike following a break down of mediation talks brokered by the CCMA on Monday. The strike was called 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.
Ross van Blerk, spokesperson for Metrobus, confirmed that all buses in the city were grounded as the drivers had not reported for duty. "All our 420 drivers in the Milpark, Village Main and Roodepoort depots have gone on strike."
Bus drivers first went on an illegal strike over the new shift system in December last year. They accused Metro Bus of exercising preferential treatment in its allocation of shifts and demanded that the company reverts to the old system.
This time around, the unions went through the proper processes to ensure that the strike is legally protected.
Ephraim Thavhakhulu, spokesperson for SAMWU in Johannesburg accused the company of "unilaterally changing the conditions of service of the drivers. We want all drivers to work eight-hour shifts. At the moment some drivers have to work up to 14 hours, and that's not fair," he charged.
Busses grounded at the Milpark depot
Van Blerk dismissed these allegations, saying the company follows the letter of the law in its allocation of shifts. "We operate within legal limits, and the law stipulates that you can only work a certain number of hours and then you must take a break."
The strike looks set to be protracted as both parties showed no sign of relenting. "We'll be meeting today to make preparations for our strategy for next week. I don't think we'll go back to work any time soon, unless the company accepts our proposals," Thavhakhulu said.
Metrobus on the other hand gave no indication of giving in to worker demands. "We can't continue with the old shift system. The company must be responsive to public demand and adapt accordingly," van Blerk said.
There is no relief in sight for commuters either. "We operate on 90 routes and we just don't have the means to provide alternative transport. Commuters will have to make their own arrangements," van Blerk said.
