eNCA reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) says the looming strike in the passenger bus sector could be averted if employers meet workers’ demands by at least Tuesday evening.  

Numsa spokeswoman Phakamile Hlubi said wage negotiations were under way and the planned national strike would continue if involved parties did not find common ground.  Numsa, along with five transport unions such as Satawu and Towu representing members at 16 bus companies, has served employers with a 60-hour notice to strike.  Unions are demanding a 12% wage increase over a one-year deal and improved working conditions.  Employers are offering 7.5% over a three-year period.  Greyhound, Putco, Mega Bus, Rea Vaya and several other operators will be affected if the strike goes ahead.  A Putco spokeswoman said 1,300 of its buses will be affected and advised commuters to make alternative arrangements.  Putco’s annual Zion Christian Church Moria route will not be affected.  Cosatu said it supported the planned strike.

• Read this report in full at eNCA
• Read too, Bus commuters scramble to make transport plans ahead of drivers’ strike, ay TimesLive
• And also, Staking ‘kan hele busbedryf ontwrig’, at Netwerk24 (limit on access)

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page