Union calls for probe into Metrobus finances amid wage dispute

Johannesburg’s passenger bus and the union, affiliated to the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu),  have been at loggerheads since the start of the week over a list of grievances.

 

This includes failed wage negotiations after the union demanded a wage increase of 18%.

 

The wage spat caused some disruptions to operations. 

 

The union’s deputy general secretary Dion Makhura accused Metrobus of bowing to political pressure, at the expense of workers. 

 

“Metrobus management is using all manner of excuses to refuse to negotiate with Demawusa, even though it has a legal right to represent us workers, and has become the Union of choice for increasing numbers of them. 

 

“We are not interested in making compromised sell-out deals behind the scenes by orders coming from politicians, and especially as the local elections draw near. Unlike the politicians, we are putting people first,” said Makhura. 

 

He also accused sister union, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), of being in cahoots with Metrobus.

 

“We are disappointed but not entirely surprised that the local leadership of Samwu has condemned the strike, even though their members are faced with drastic reductions in their workplace safety and working conditions,” Makhura added.

 

“Samwu, along with the Management, has made false claims that their members are at risk of violence from Demawusa members, and has threatened to mobilise the police to protect them.”

ALSO READ:

Makhura denied any form of intimidation against other workers.

 

“Let us state clearly here, that there is absolutely no evidence of intimidation or threats of violence from Demawusa. What we are seeing is that the local leadership of a sister union is preparing to undermine a legitimate strike by another Union by collaborating with the employer and the police.

 

The union wants a probe into the business’ books. 

 

“The Management of Metrobus, clearly under political pressure from above, have now also threatened to lock out the bus workers, as a way of forcing them back to work. These are the tactics of desperation. But we understand where this is coming from.

 

“That is why Demawusa is also demanding a full and open inquiry into the finances of Metrobus, because in many cases, the figures do not add up. 

 

“Demawusa is saying ‘open the books’ and let the public see what has been happening inside Metrobus before you condemn workers who have been carrying grievances for years and years which Metrobus has refused to discuss.”

Makhura vowed strike action would continue into the new week.

Metro Bus has also called for commuters to make alternative arrangements for Monday.