Numsa strike to derail Easter travelling plans
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has issued a notice to inform employers in the bus passenger sector of its intention to strike.
The strike comes as South Africans gear up for the Easter holidays.
According to Numsa's spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi, their attempts at mediation at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) reached a deadlock.
"Our attempts to mediate between ourselves and the employer bodies have reached a deadlock and therefore we have been forced to down tools. The employers have arrogantly rejected our just demands for a living wage," she says.
Hlubi adds that they are demanding improved working conditions as well as a salary hike of 15%.
ALSO READ: Poor management at RAF affects compensation: Numsa
"The employer does not care about workers, or the welfare of commuters and they are willing to plunge the industry into a crisis, days before the Easter long weekend, because of their insatiable greed," she says.
Hlubi says their nationwide strike will start on Wednesday and they have called on commuters to make alternative arrangements for the Easter weekend.
"Unfortunately, buses will not be operational," she says.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transport says it will be monitoring the situation from Wednesday.
Transport spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi says they are calling on all those involved to find an amicable solution to the impasse.
"Negotiations towards a resolution will be to the benefit of the country, commuters, operators and employees in the bus industry," he says.