2011-02-15: Metrobus, Samwu talks deadlock

No resolution has been found to end the strike by Metrobus drivers, and talks between the union and the company have been suspended. At issue is a new shift schedule.
TALKS between the City and the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) to resolve the shift schedule ended in a deadlock yesterday.

Metrobus spokesperson Esther Dreyer said the talks had been suspended but did not give any timeframe for their resumption. “The talks have failed; there is a complete deadlock,” said Dreyer. “We are looking at other ways of resolving the dispute.”

Metrobus drivers downed their tools on 9 February, demanding that the public transport company scrap its new shift schedule.

Drivers’ new shifts were restructured to allow an eight-hour working shift instead of the six- to seven-hour shifts operated previously.

Under the old system, drivers earned overtime after six to seven hours of work a day as opposed to eight hours.

Bus services will remain suspended until an agreement is reached.