WARNING: Nationwide bus driver strike on 12 April

Rea Vaya passengers in Johannesburg will be left stranded tomorrow, 12 April due to a nationwide bus drivers’ strike.

The National Union of Mineworkers (Numsa) and reportedly four other trade unions have informed employers, including Piotrans and Litsamaiso, the bus companies that operate Rea Vaya buses, of their intention to strike.

This is due to demands for pay increases, paid overtime and paid public holidays that have allegedly not been met by employers.

Numsa said it demands a 15 per cent increase deemed to provide a dignified life to workers. Numsa spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi, said the union advises passengers to make alternative arrangements for the Easter weekend because buses will not be operating nationwide.

Rea Vaya confirmed the shutdown and said negotiations between employer representatives and the unions are continuing.

Hlubi said, however, that employers ‘arrogantly’ rejected their demands. “The employer does not care about [the] workers, or the welfare of commuters and they are willing to plunge the industry into a crisis,” she said.

Metrobus, the City’s other rapid transport system, will not be affected, Rea Vaya said because they are overseen by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council, unlike Rea Vaya, which operates under the South African Road Passengers’ Bargaining Council.

Read: Bus sector strike looms