Union to enter into talks after bus drivers dismissed

Operating company Piotrans announced on Sunday night that 158 bus drivers were dismissed with immediate effect.

 

Drivers abandoned buses in the Johannesburg CBD on Monday 2 February and failed to return to work since.

 

Samwu Gauteng provincial secretary Caleb Mokoena says they have noted the dismissal of the drivers and have intentions of negotiating with Piotrans in the hopes of rescuing the situation.

 

"Drivers have been on a strike because they had a problem with their current shift system which they said was strenuous and did not allow them to have enough rest,” Mokoena said.

 

Since the suspension of the Rea Vaya bus service, striking bus drivers have not tabled formal demands and most refused to participate in the hearings, said Piotrans spokesperson Dumisani Mntambo.

 

The recruitment process will begin on Monday.

 

“In the meantime, a proposal is being developed for approval by the City of Johannesburg regarding the resumption of services. The total number of bus drivers remaining in the employment of the company is 65,” Mntambo said.

 

“We appeal to our customers to once again bear with us as we restore normality to our operations. Services will be slow during the next few weeks.”

 

Mntambo said the company had made reasonable efforts to ensure that the notice to attend the hearing had been delivered to the employees and further made means to ensure that the relevant Trade Union is notified.

  

“The dismissed workers have been notified of their rights to appeal against the sanction imposed against them as a result of the disciplinary inquiry.  They have also been advised that they may refer the dispute to the relevant Bargaining Council. The board of Piotrans is fully behind the sanctions imposed.”

 

In September 2011, 17 Rea Vaya bus drivers who failed to return to work after embarking on illegal strike action.