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GroundUp reports that the turnout was low for Friday’s one day strike and countrywide protests called by the United National Transport Union (Untu) and its umbrella organisation, the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa).
Workers were demanding a safer train system, both for themselves and passengers. In particular they called for the army to be deployed to patrol the railway system. They also wanted the Passenger Rail Association of SA (Prasa) and Transnet to be integrated; better policing of the railways by the police; Prasa to comply with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act; the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) to be able to exercise its mandate independently from Prasa; and government to find accommodation for the thousands of people living in shacks too close to railway lines. In Cape Town, about 40 people took part in a march to Parliament. The Public Servants Association (PSA) and the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa) marched in solidarity. In Johannesburg about 40 people marched to the office of the Mayco Member for Transport. A memorandum, addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, called on him to ensure safe and reliable trains. In Pretoria a few dozen protesters marched to the Union Buildings. When they reached the Union Buildings there was no representative of the presidency to listen to the demands being read. Only after about an hour did the Acting Deputy Director General of Rail Transport come out to receive the memorandum of demands. In Durban, 35 people marched to City Hall.
- Read the full original of the above report at https://www.groundup.org.za/article/low-turnout-metrorail-protests/
- Read too, Most commuter trains still on track during strike, says Prasa, at News24
- And also, 'They need to be protected' - stranded Gauteng commuters sympathise with striking Metrorail staff, at News24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page