NEWSWATCH: Chaos is underway as a nationwide bus strike kicks off today across South Africa. About 25,000 bus drivers are on an indefinite strike from today, Wednesday, 12 April 2017, following the collapse of wage negotiations.
According to reports, National Union of Metalworkers of SA (NUMSA), along with five trade unions (including Satawu and Towu) representing various bus companies, gave employers a 60-hour notice to strike.
Buses to be affected by the strike include Putco, Mgqibelo, Mayibuye, Buscor, Golden Arrow, Megabus, Mega Express, Bojanala, Gauteng Coaches, Itereleng, Ipelegeng, Atamelang, Autopax, Great North Transport, ReaVaya, Phola Coaches, PAL Bus and Greyhound.
Unions are demanding a 12% wage increase over a one-year deal and improved working conditions, while Numsa itself is calling for a 15% increase.
Alternative transportation
The estimated 500,000 bus commuters are advised to make use of alternative transportation.
According to a report on The Times, Brett Herron, Cape Town mayoral committee member for transport, appealed to employers to allow employees to work from satellite offices during the strike.
Metro buses operational
Metro buses, however, are apparently operational:
Follow the #BusStrike hashtag on Twitter to keep up to date.
For more:
