Cape Times reports that according to City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for transport and urban development, Brett Herron, the opposition to the City's plans to take over the management of passenger rail service in the province by some trade unions was premature.  

Labour federation Fedusa and its affiliate the United National Transport Union (Untu) issued statements following the council's go-ahead for the city to approach the national department of transport for approval and funding in order take over from the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa).  They are opposing what they consider “unrealistic plans” to take over the management of the rail service in the province from Metrorail.  Untu’s general secretary, Steve Harris, said:  “They are dreaming about a pie in the sky that has no prospect of success at all.  We will oppose any application to the Department of Transport to that effect, as it could never be in the best interest of our members to become municipal workers and as the majority union representing 50% of Prasa employees, we cannot imagine why the City thinks the plan would be of any benefit to our members.”  Fedusa cautioned about this “utopian dream” by the City.  But Herron shot back, saying that the system was at risk of collapsing and “a responsible, caring government should be expected to act as we are.”

• Read this report by Dominic Adriaanse in full at Cape Times
• Read Untu’s press statement in this regard at SA Labour News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page