News24 reports that commuters in some areas served by Johannesburg's Metrobus routes were forced to use alternative buses and forms of transport on Tuesday.  

Employees affiliated to the Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of SA (Demawusa) embarked on a strike, blocked buses from leaving Village Main depot and disrupted daily operations.  Two bus drivers were injured and taken to hospital.  Among its long list of demands, the union wanted Metrobus to pay salary progressions based on number of years of service and long-term service salary bonuses.  Metrobus spokesperson Goodwill Shiburi said the main issue they had noted was that Demawusa members wanted to be recognised as a union representing workers and therefore "embarking on a strike was a way to seek attention for that recognition".  "We have declined at least four of [their] demands, because they were already resolved at the bargaining council with other unions.  We will meet again tomorrow (Wednesday) to engage on other matters they have put forward and will hopefully come to an agreement," Shiburi indicated.  Demawusa was launched in 2015 after some members broke away from the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu).

• Read this report by Sesona Ngqakamba in full at News24

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