Commuters who make use of A Re Yeng bus service are at their wits’ end because only seven out of 30 buses are currently operating in Tshwane.
On 26 July A Re Yeng bus drivers embarked on an illegal strike which led to 97 bus drivers being dismissed.
“Following a rigorous internal disciplinary process that was chaired by an independent external chairperson, TRT (Tshwane Rapid Transit) management resolved to terminate the employment of 33 bus drivers and a week later an additional 64,” TRT said in a statement.
The drivers had previously gone on unprotected strikes in March and June this year, without proper notification to TRT.
“There has not been a single adherence by employees with section 64 of the Labour Relations Act which compels them to give the employer 48 hours notice in writing before the proposed strike commences,” the statement said.
TRT management said they had had numerous engagements with employee representatives about complaints by the drivers, but consultation had not been finalised by the time drivers went on strike.
“Management has continuously requested employees to engage on their issues directly with management as employees of TRT any time. This call has been ignored.”
Instead drivers insisted that management should meet with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), a union TRT said was not recognised because TRT employees are not municipal workers.
Meanwhile TRT and Tshwane metro are looking at options to get A Re Yeng buses back on the roads.
TRT CEO Bukeka Mahlutshana said they were still working on a service resumption plan with the City and once finalised, details will be disclosed.
“We will also keep the commuters up to date on weekly basis,” the statement.
Also read:
Tshwane leaves A Re Yeng bus drivers in a lurch
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