Putco to resume operations on Monday after dismissing workers
Bus service operator Putco says it will resume its operations on Monday following a week-long wildcat strike by workers.
The company dismissed 105 bus drivers on Thursday, who had downed tools over salary increases and bonuses dating back to 2020.
The employees were part of a group of more than 1000 workers who were issued letters of intention to dismiss on Monday.
Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu says 400 individual submissions and 900 submissions from unions were made as to why they should not be dismissed.
"These workers had ignored several warnings, a court interdict stating they should return to work as well as subsequent ultimatums. The overwhelming majority of employees do not support the unprotected and unlawful strike action. Almost all employees who made individual written submissions to the company expressed their willingness to return to work.
"A relatively small group of employees has been instigating and inciting the strike action at the various business units and have resorted to acts of intimidation, violence, and threatening other employees with bodily harm should they refuse to join the strike.
"This group of instigators have blocked entrance gates to bus depots, burned tyres, clashed with police and prevented staff and buses from entering and exiting the company premises, and interfered with the company’s business of providing transport to hundreds of thousands of commuters.”
Xulu says employees who have not been dismissed have been issued with final written warnings and others will be subjected to internal disciplinary processes.
Meanwhile, the operator has received a court order interdict to remove the striking workers from blocking the gates at the depots.
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