Bus drivers’ strike (finally) ends
The month-long strike by bus
drivers was called off on Monday after bus companies and employers finally
managed to reach an agreement.
Meshak Rameka - speaking on behalf of the employers - says they agreed on 9% increase for the first years and 8% from 1 April 2019.
"The issue of 9% was on the basis that it will apply from the date of signature and the unions were not happy with that and that prolonged the strike," Rameka says.
He says the unions wanted the 9% to include backpay from 1 April this year but at the weekend the parties managed to reach a compromise.
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"The one that was agreed upon is the compromise proposal which basically limits back pay to basic wages only, excluding benefits. So on that basis a settlement was reached.”
Rameka says employers still believe the 9% is too high, drawing parallels to other sectors who do not pay as much due to the current economic climate.
A task team will be appointed to look into other demands from the unions.
Buses are expected to back on the road tomorrow.