By Thomas Thale
HOPES for a resolution to the protracted bus strike were raised on Tuesday when Metrobus withdrew its court application for an interdict forcing the workers to go back to work and agreed to meet the unions representing the drivers on Wednesday.
The application by Metrobus for the strike to be declared unprotected was due to be heard by the Labour Court on Tuesday.
The company withdrew its action as a gesture of goodwill after "the unions withdrew the additional demands they had tabled last week", said Ross van Blerk, spokesman for Metrobus. Van Blerk confirmed that the city owned bus-company will "not be pursuing legal action, not at this stage".
The strike, now in its third week, has cost the company an estimated R30-million in lost revenue. Workers will also not be paid for the days they have engaged in industrial action.
Commuters have been have had to find alternative means of transport. Kgotso Chikane, the mayor's spokesman, promised those "with prepaid tickets" that they "will be properly reimbursed".
Ephraim Thavhakhulu, spokesman for SAMWU, welcomed the interest shown by the mayor in the dispute, and expressed confidence that a resolution might be found soon. Chikane emphasized that it was up to Metrobus and the two unions to find a solution to the conflict.
The meeting on Wednesday will be mediated by the CCMA.
