Gautrain bus drivers want a break
JOBURG - Following reports of a Gautrain bus driver strike which saw the service between 10am to 11am on the morning of 7 May suspended, it is expected that there will be no bus services again from 5pm to 6pm today.
It is anticipated that tomorrow will see the same disruption.
Gautrain spokesperson Ian Findlay said the bus drivers are not technically on strike but are refusing to work due to disputes surrounding their lunch break agreement.
He said the drivers are subject to a National Bargaining Council which states the terms surrounding their employment, which are subject to review after 30 June. According to this agreement, they are entitled to a half-hour break within their nine-hour shift, including breaks between driving – all adding up to three-and-a-half hours.
Findlay said the dispute began on the morning of 6 May when the drivers demanded an hour break and refused to work. When they eventually began working, they went on a go-slow which saw them driving at 5km an hour.
He added that all areas are expected to be affected, including the afternoon shift between 5pm to 6pm today, and again tomorrow with the morning shift between 10am to 11am and the afternoon shift between 5pm to 6pm being affected.
He concluded that the company sincerely apologises for the inconvenience and that they will be taking the necessary disciplinary action against the relevant parties.
He also urged commuters to plan ahead as the train services will still be running.
