By Tendai Dhliwayo
A COURT interdict sought by Metrobus to end the two-week strike by nearly 400 drivers, has been adjourned by the High Court to Tuesday, 18 March to allow concerned parties to prepare their arguments.
Metrobus spokesperson, Ayanda Vilakazi, said, "We are still at loggerheads. We have invited Samwu [South African Municipal Workers Union] to a meeting on Monday, but they have not responded." If however the meeting goes ahead and a resolution is found, he said there would not be any need for the interdict.
Metrobus claimed Samwu has retracted some of its extra demands but has retained one pertaining to "spread-over" shifts - split shifts with a long break during the day.
However, Silas Letsimo, Samwu provincial secretary, dismissed claims by Metrobus. "Nothing has been agreed on." He said the demands that led to the strike have not been settled. He insisted that until both parties have reached a settlement, there is no way drivers can report for duty. "The strike will continue. Workers will only go back when there is a settlement."
Metrobus will be compensating passengers for their prepaid trips, which have been lost as a result of the strike. Metrobus will make an announcement once the strike is over.
