Cape Argus reports that train drivers belonging to the United National Transport Union (Untu) will no longer be working on the notorious Central Line between Langa and Cape Town.
The union represents close to 50% of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) employees and called for the rail company to suspend Metrorail services in those areas until the Western Cape High Court makes a ruling on the union’s application against Prasa over the safety of its members. Untu general secretary Steve Harris said: "One of the core functions of a train driver is to focus on the signals to ensure rail safety, but due to the ongoing attacks on train crews across the country, train drivers are forced to constantly be on the lookout for criminals. They struggle to focus on the signals. It is not only the train drivers who are exposed, but all Prasa employees working on this line. They work in constant fear knowing that most of them are the only providers for their families." Prasa acting chief executive, Dries van der Walt, will be meeting with Untu regarding its concerns.
- Read this report by Zodidi Dano in full at Cape Argus
- See too, Minister staan hofsaak teen oor ‘veiliger treine’, at Netwerk24 (limit on access)
- Read Untu’s press statement in regard to this matter at SA Labour News
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page