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The Star reports that according to Zwelinzima Vavi of the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), the indefinite Metrobus strike will only end when the City of Johannesburg recognises rebel union the Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of SA (Demawusa) as a bargaining partner.
This was said as the Metrobus strike entered its fourth week, with no end in sight. The City has tried interdicting the strike but failed. Seemingly, the majority of workers want to return to work, but because of threats of intimidation and attacks they are afraid to do so. Demawusa, a Saftu affiliate, has about 100 members at Metrobus while more than 700 belong to the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu). “They are going to have to recognise the union. The apartheid regime refused to talk to Samwu until they were forced to. The workers are determined to teach Metrobus a lesson,” Vavi opined. “The unity of workers should be about advancing the interest of the workers. All of those Demawusa members were members of Samwu. There would be no Demawusa if Samwu had not abandoned them,” he stated. Samwu has distanced itself from the strike and spokesperson Papikie Mohale said Demawusa and Saftu were being unreasonable. Demawusa is seeking an 18% pay hike, a figure that Metrobus has described as impossible. Metrobus spokesperson Goodwill Shiburi said Gauteng Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo was in talks with stakeholders to try to resolve the issue.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Itumeleng Mafisa at The Star
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