City back on the rails - for now

Western Cape commuters will have a brief respite from the Metrorail strike, which caused havoc in Cape Town yesterday, after unions called a temporary halt to the action.

Metrorail is seeking an urgent interdict to try and put a permanent stop to the strike.

The unions involved, the South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union and the United Transport and Allied Trade Union, last night called off the strike temporarily.

Metrorail spokesman Riana Scott said they had indicated their workers would return to work today.

"Relief for commuters may be short-lived, though, as further legal industrial action is on the cards," she said.

About 150000 Cape Town commuters - about 56% of the total number in the Western Cape - were left stranded when Metrorail workers downed tools yesterday.

No contingency plans had been made for the industrial action, which Metrorail said was illegal.

Thousands of train passengers waited in long queues at taxi ranks and bus stops, while many drove by car to work.

Merle Lourens, who is chief inspector for traffic services in Cape Town, said roads were "busier" during the morning peak hour.

Metrorail staff said they went on strike because of changes to service conditions imposed by Metrorail. It had apparently changed workers' shift rosters.

Utatu general secretary Chris de Vos said there had been discussions with management about the changes, but the parties could not reach a consensus.

About 3500 employees who belong to Utatu and Satawu are participating in the strike.

"We declared a dispute, but the Western Cape is the only region that decided to implement the changes," said De Vos.

He said Metrorail had indicated it would take legal action against employees.

"Metrorail said it will apply for an urgent interdict to stop the strike. Our team is consulting with our legal advisers."

Elizabeth Thompson, Cape Town mayoral committee member for transport, said the strike flew in the face of the community.

"The City of Cape Town condemns in the strongest possible terms the actions by the staff of Metrorail who have acted without consideration for the commuters," she said.

Metrorail's Scott said about 150 000 commuters used trains in the Mother City during the morning peak.

None of the 149 trains that operate during the morning peak hours was running yesterday, putting a huge strain on rush-hour road traffic.

Metrorail had to arrange between 18 and 25 buses for every train to transport passengers.

Scott said it was impossible because there were not enough buses.

Metrorail said it had warned the Cape Chamber of Commerce about the strike.