Interdict sought over Johannesburg bus strike

31 March 2014 - 19:36 By Sapa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

An urgent court interdict is being sought to have the Rea Vaya bus drivers' strike in Johannesburg declared illegal, bus operator Piotrans said on Monday.

Piotrans regarded the strike as illegal due to the nature of the workers' demands, spokesman Dumisani Mntambo said in a statement.

"They have thus approached the Labour Court for an urgent interdict declaring the strike illegal."

The matter would be heard on Thursday.

Piotrans manages the operations of the Rea Vaya's buses along with Litsamaiso.

Commuters were advised to find alternative transport on Monday.

"We urge passengers to utilise alternative transport [such as] lift clubs, Metrorail, taxis and other bus companies, or make alternative arrangements until further notice," Gauteng community safety department spokesman Obed Sibasa said.

Earlier, Mntambo said the company was in talks with the SA Municipal Workers' Union.

"We are still waiting for the union to come back to us. They are meeting their attorneys to review an agreement that was reached last night."

Bus drivers worked on Monday from 5am but returned the buses to their depots at 8.30am, Mntambo said.

Litsamaiso said it was negotiating with the union.

"We believe that the strike is illegal. The issues they are striking for are not issues one would strike for," spokesman Babu Maharaj said.

Bus drivers wanted labour brokers to be banned, the code of conduct to be reviewed, senior staff members to choose their shifts, and the union to be introduced during induction of new workers. He said these were not serious enough to warrant a strike.

Samwu regional chairman Dion Makhura confirmed the strike was still on. He could not comment further as he was going into a meeting.

No intimidation or violence had been reported.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now