Passengers could be left in limbo over Easter weekend as SATAWU warns of strike
The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) have warned of a looming bus strike, ahead of the Easter weekend.
SATAWU says wage negotiations with the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council have collapsed.
In a statement, the union said it declared a dispute on the 18th of February after the employer failed to meet bus drivers’ demands and says management again refused to table a revised offer during this week’s conciliation process.
A certificate of non‑resolution has been issued, triggering a 30‑day cooling‑off period and a 48-hour strike notice.
The union is demanding a two‑year wage deal, including a 6.5% increase.
SATAWU’s Head of Communications Amanda Tshemese says, “The employer is only giving us 3.25% and that is an insult to labour and the workers. We understand the challenges and the difficulties of the strike. However, it’s clear that these bus companies prefer to negotiate on the streets.”