Cape Times reports that the unions representing striking workers in the bus industry have requested the general secretary of the Road Passenger Bargaining Council to convene a meeting with employers on Thursday to try to settle the wage dispute.  

This came after negotiations between the parties remained deadlocked.  Meanwhile, employer parties gave the unions until Wednesday to accept a new offer they tabled last Friday.  The unions are demanding a 9.5% wage increase, payment for night shift and insourcing of workers, among other things.  SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) spokesperson Zanele Sabela said:  “After meeting on Monday we decided to write to the Bargaining Council, and we are happy to report they are willing to assist.  We understand the commuters’ frustrations as this is the third week and they still have to find alternative transport, but we also want what is best for the workers.  Hopefully a way can be achieved with the Bargaining Council on board.”  Bus employers have described the wage increase demanded as unrealistic.  Speaking on behalf of the employers, John Dammert said they were still open to negotiations as they also wanted the strike to end.  Thus far they have not received the invitation from the unions or the Bargaining Council general secretary about Thursday’s meeting.

• Read this report by Okuhle Hlati in full at Cape Times

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