At least five trade unions are gearing up for what could be one of the biggest strikes to hit the transport industry.
If an agreement is not reached by today , millions of bus commuters across the country could be left stranded.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) and four other unions including the Transport and Omnibus Workers' Union - in the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council - served dozens of bus companies with a 60-hour notice to go on a nationwide strike on Sunday.
"It is estimated that at least 20% of South Africa's population uses buses as their primary means of transport.
"Unfortunately, these are the people that will be impacted by the strike action if employer organisations do not bring a serious offer to the table before April 12.
"It is important to note, however, that labour is still willing to engage employers in the interim," said Satawu spokeswoman Zanele Sabela.
She said should they not get a satisfactory offer by today, unions would embark on an industrial action tomorrow.
Among their demands are:
The unions said employers were refusing to pay the relief driver from the start of the trip, saying the shift only starts when the "foot is on the pedal".
"What employers fail to recognise is that because no sleeping facilities are made available for drivers, what you have are sleep-deprived drivers at the wheel.
"This is a dangerous situation for bus commuters and all road users," Sabela said.
She said wage talks reached a deadlock in March.
"Labour and employer associations took part in a mediation process led by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
"The CCMA issued a certificate of non-resolution subject to a 30-day mandatory cooling-off period. The 30-day stay expired on Saturday, April 8, hence the notice was served," Sabela said.
mashabas@sowetan.co.za
Millions of bus users likely to be stranded
At least five trade unions are gearing up for what could be one of the biggest strikes to hit the transport industry.
If an agreement is not reached by today , millions of bus commuters across the country could be left stranded.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) and four other unions including the Transport and Omnibus Workers' Union - in the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council - served dozens of bus companies with a 60-hour notice to go on a nationwide strike on Sunday.
"It is estimated that at least 20% of South Africa's population uses buses as their primary means of transport.
"Unfortunately, these are the people that will be impacted by the strike action if employer organisations do not bring a serious offer to the table before April 12.
"It is important to note, however, that labour is still willing to engage employers in the interim," said Satawu spokeswoman Zanele Sabela.
She said should they not get a satisfactory offer by today, unions would embark on an industrial action tomorrow.
Among their demands are:
The unions said employers were refusing to pay the relief driver from the start of the trip, saying the shift only starts when the "foot is on the pedal".
"What employers fail to recognise is that because no sleeping facilities are made available for drivers, what you have are sleep-deprived drivers at the wheel.
"This is a dangerous situation for bus commuters and all road users," Sabela said.
She said wage talks reached a deadlock in March.
"Labour and employer associations took part in a mediation process led by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
"The CCMA issued a certificate of non-resolution subject to a 30-day mandatory cooling-off period. The 30-day stay expired on Saturday, April 8, hence the notice was served," Sabela said.
mashabas@sowetan.co.za
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