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The Citizen reports that Putco (Public Utility Transport Corporation) workers have vowed to continue striking for a salary increase and bonuses dating back to 2020, despite the bus company confirming it would be firing about 1,000 employees for the illegal strike.
The employees parked their buses last week, demanding a 6% wage increase and their backpay. On Wednesday, bus drivers picketed outside the Soweto and Pretoria depots, and were given until 5pm to submit written submissions giving reasons as to why they should not be dismissed. Police presence was heavy as striking workers blocked management from exiting the premises. Many drivers apparently sent their written submissions before the deadline via email and other means because they were alarmed by the havoc taking place at the work premises. Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the company would still be carrying out terminations as promised and confirmed receiving written submissions from some employees, as requested. Indicating that the company had obtained a court interdict, Xulu said: “We can confirm that operations are still disrupted by the employees embarking on an illegal strike. There are still blockades.” Another matter arose when passengers demanded refunds for their unused tags. One passenger said they used R800 a month for the bus tag and R200 a day on taxis.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphumelele Khumalo at The Citizen
- See too, Putco bus drivers refuse to back down, at eNCA
- And also, Putco workers’ strike hits commuters in the pocket, at SowetanLive
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page