End of bus strike in sight: Satawu

13 May 2013 - 14:40 By Sapa
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Satawu members march through Johannesburg. Bus drivers have been on strike for weeks demanding a 13% pay increase. File photo
Satawu members march through Johannesburg. Bus drivers have been on strike for weeks demanding a 13% pay increase. File photo
Image: VELI NHLAPO

A pay deal is in sight to end a nationwide strike by bus drivers, the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union said on Monday.

"We are very close to an agreement. We will be convening at around lunch-time to finalise," said Satawu secretary-general Zenzo Mahlangu.

He said it was likely the strike would be officially declared over after their meeting with employers.

"I might be telling the strike is over after lunch."

Thousands of commuters were left stranded across the country since the strike started four weeks ago.

Last week, the Commuter Bus Employers' Association CEO Barry Gie said most other issues had been worked out.

He indicated there was a big chance that unions might agree to the recent wage offer.

Employers were offering a nine percent increase, up from their original offer of 6.5%.

The unions had decreased their wage demand to 10 percent, down from 13%.

They were also demanding allowances for housing, night-shift, and long-distance journeys.

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