​Talks aimed at ending the South African Workers Union (Samwu) bus strike

Talks aimed at ending the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) bus strike progressed well today and the City of Johannesburg said there are good basis for striking an agreement soon.
"The City and Samwu went away for further consultation yesterday and if the spirit which prevailed at today's talks was maintained at tomorrow's negotiations, parties would be very close to striking a deal," said the City of Johannesburg spokesperson Gabu Tugwana.

Tugwana said the City of Johannesburg is committed to finding a reasonable solution that will end the strike and resume the bus service as soon as possible.

He added that negotiations are key in maintaining sound labour relations and the City of Johannesburg is determined to achieve this.

We once more appeal to our 90 000 commuters to bear with us because most of our workforce would also want to resume work. "We must however remember that while the strike goes on, it is too risky to allow commuters and bus operators to be exposed to this dangerous environment," added Tugwana.

METROBUS SUMMARY

The total number of staff at Metro Bus is 971. In terms of Union membership, SAMWU has 466 registered members, IMATU 457. The number of employees who have been on strike is for the past three months is less than 100. The relationship between management and unions has been fairly normal. Talks and negotiations on matters related to the strike have been conducted over a long period (started in November 2006). Central to the demands of the unions has been the pay out of accrued sick leave to employees. An additional demand to reinstate sacked employees and review all their disciplinary cases, has delayed a resolution to the strike.

Ends.
Issued by:
Gabu Tugwana
Director: Communication
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 7162
Fax: 011 339 1531
Cell: 082 495 5673