Bus strike looms ahead of hectic Easter travel period

NEWS

In its statement, the Commuter Bus Employers Organisation said a strike was long overdue as the organisation declared a dispute in February because the employers were strongly refusing to give workers a meaningful increase.

A bone of contention that may trigger the strike is that the employers are allegedly refusing to negotiate health insurance benefits.

On Monday, the two trade unions, the SA Bus Employers Association and Commuters Bus Employers Organisation proposed on urgent meeting within 48 hours with employers, failing which, they would down tools if their demands were not met.

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The unions argue that the lowest paid workers are earning an average of R7800 per month, hence, medical aid is unaffordable. They point out that workers want to be able to access private healthcare facilities as it is well-known that public hospitals and clinics are short-staffed and under-resourced.

The unions have been trying to negotiate with employers since January through the SA Road Passenger Bargaining Council and declared a disagreement in February, but the issue was still unresolved as employers refused to give workers a meaningful increase.

Numsa's spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, said several Numsa members could not afford medical aid on their salaries, adding:

“Most companies will refuse to grant the benefit, and this is why we want this matter to be resolved in this round of negotiations at a national level.”

Around 20 000 people are employed in the sector. If the strike were to go ahead, it would inconvenience thousands of bus commuters across the country who travel to visit families during this period.

Numsa said the only proposal on the table was presented by the mediator, SARPBAC, which stated:

Numsa, however, rejected this proposal.