Metro Bus Strike Ends 04.04.2007
Metro Bus Strike Ends 04.04.2007
THE City of Johannesburg and South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) have signed an agreement that has paved the way for resuming the MetroBus service after its suspension almost three weeks ago.
"We will do everything possible to ensure that the MetroBus service is running next week," says City spokesperson, Gabu Tugwana.
The resumption of service follows an agreement that has been reached between Metrobus and two trade unions, SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) and Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu).
Samwu members went on strike on January 29, 2007 over a dispute concerning the payment of accumulated sick leave. The bus service was suspended on March 16 after the strike turned violent with three drivers losing their lives in the process.
Tugwana says a comprehensive and inclusive settlement that satisfies both Metrobus and the unions has been reached. This agreement was signed by the concerned parties today (Wednesday 4 April).
"We are very happy that the strike has ended and that we can continue with normal operations," says Tugwana. "We again extend our apologies to commuters and residents of Johannesburg who have been inconvenienced by the suspension of the service.
"It is a decision we took in the interest of the safety of commuters and of MetroBus employees."
MetroBus is looking forward to normalising services at the earliest possible opportunity. The company will use the coming weekend to ensure its operations are in place to enable it to return to full service by the end of next week.
"MetroBus remains committed to provide the highest quality of bus services to the people of Johannesburg and we will continue to do so," he says.
Tugwana also paid tribute to the MetroBus employees and their families who have been affected by the strike and remained loyal to the service and its clients. "We all went through a challenging a very challenging period," says Tugwana.
The settlement of the strike was mainly on the accumulated sick leave as stipulated in the applicable collective agreement. The parties also reached agreement on issues unrelated to the strike which culminated in the review of management's disciplinary action against three shop stewards and nineteen other employees.
The City of Johannesburg, Samwu and Imatu are to host a joint media briefing tomorrow 10.30am at the MetroBus Milpark Depot Corner Enoch Sontonga and Raikes Road, Braamfontein where a timetable for resuming the bus service will be announced.
Ends.
Issued by:
Gabu Tugwana
Director: Communication
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 7162
Fax: 011 339 1531
Cell: 082 495 5673