Many Metrobus drivers did not heed the call from Samwu to go on strike

RELATED LINKS: Metrobus drivers set to go on strike HUNDREDS of Metrobus drivers are likely to go on an indefinite strike from Monday, leaving commuters across the city stranded. Read more Metrobus gets new buses SOME 90 new buses have been delivered to Metrobus, including six that have been adapted for physically disabled commuters and two luxury coaches. Read more Mayor meets bus driver unions JOHANNESBURG Executive Mayor Amos Masondo met Metrobus unions to discuss a number of issues, including the pension fund, disciplinary cases, industrial relations at Metrobus and service delivery. Read more

Bus strike has 'little effect' About 80 percent of Metrobus's staff turned up for work, despite a strike over sick leave benefits, among other issues, according to Metrobus management. January 30, 2007 By Lucky Sindane THE strike by Johannesburg Metrobus drivers on Monday, 29 January had little effect on commuters as many buses were operating on the day, according to Metrobus management. "About 80 percent of our employees doing the morning shift were working today. Only a few of the South African Municipal Workers' Union [Samwu] members took part in the strike," said Metrobus's acting managing director, Charles Hlabela. Samwu has accused employers of failing to pay its members their accumulated sick leave, dismissing drivers for petty allegations of misconduct and for employing foreigners who do not have the necessary work permits. The City obtained a court interdict on Friday, 26 January preventing other employees from embarking on a sympathy strike. "We will apply the no-work no-pay principle for employees who embark on the strike," Hlabela said. Samwu's Johannesburg branch secretary, Dumisani Langa, said, "Workers were told in 2005 that they stood to lose their sick leave accumulated over 15 years if they did not take it within 30 days." However, Hlabela said the company and the union had reached an agreement in December 2003 stipulating that accumulated sick leave should be taken within the next two years. "All affected workers who qualified and decided to exercise their right were paid their full benefits in December 2005," he explained. Meanwhile, Langa said that the strike was indefinite "unless the employers are willing to negotiate". Hlabela said that the company would not negotiate with employees as an agreement was reached in 2003. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za