ANA reports that the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) on Tuesday threatened a national shutdown should bus companies not heed striking workers’ demands by the end of the week.  

Addressing Saftu’s main May Day rally in Bloemfontein, its president Mac Chavalala said the companies were holding workers and commuters hostage.  “We are giving you five days to respond positively to our demands, because we believe the workers’ demands are reasonable.  Should you not respond accordingly, Saftu will mobilise for a solidarity strike very soon and bring this country to a standstill…  you should by now know what Saftu is capable of doing,” warned Chavalala.  The bus strike by five unions entered its third week on Monday.  In addition to wage increases, other issues include driver over-time and night shift allowances.  The deadlock in negotiations continued last week as efforts by Transport Minister Blade Nzimande and Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant to intervene and resolve the impasse drew a blank.

• Read this report in full at The Citizen

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