All you need to know: Nationwide bus strike
Commuters were stranded in different parts of the country earlier this morning while bus drivers embark on a strike. Trade unions that are representing the drivers from different companies are still in negotiation talks with employers
Bus drivers are embarking on a nationwide strike over wages today. Some bus terminals will not operate and commuters are likely to be affected.
For long distance commuters, Greyhound says buses from Nelspruit to Johannesburg will operate, however, it will not be possible to travel from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.
Intercape says that the strike does not affect them and their buses are operating as normal.
Five trade unions, including Satawu and Numsa, have issued strike notices after they deadlocked over wage negotiations yesterday.
The unions are calling for a 12 percent wage increase over a one-year deal. They also want housing, night shift and long-distance journey allowances. But the employer is only offering 7.5 percent over a three-year period.
The trade unions have been negotiating with two associations representing 16 bus companies since the beginning of the year.
The City of Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya bus will not operate. The South African Road Passengers Bargaining Council received a certificate allowing the drivers to embark on a strike. However, the Metro bus will be operating.
Putco, MyCiti, Golden Arrow, Gautrain Bus, Greyhound, Mgqibelo, Mayibuye, Buscor, Golden Arrow, Megabus, Mega Express, Bojanala, Gauteng Coaches, Itereleng, Ipelegeng, Atamelang, Autopax, Great North Transport, ReaVaya, Phola Coaches, PAL Bus will be on a strike.