Metrobus update: Still not operating, but solution on horizon
Commuters across the city are still stranded as the Metrobus strike continues. Virgil James, a representative of Metrobus said, “After initially engaging about 60 disgruntled drivers yesterday (11 July), the union was roped in to assist as they legally represent workers anyway, even if they initially said they were unaware of the strike. “The drivers …
Commuters across the city are still stranded as the Metrobus strike continues.
Virgil James, a representative of Metrobus said, “After initially engaging about 60 disgruntled drivers yesterday (11 July), the union was roped in to assist as they legally represent workers anyway, even if they initially said they were unaware of the strike.
“The drivers do not want the services of a private company to do inspectorate services (collections, bus dispatch, ticketing and routes) because they argue that they are being denied the opportunity for growth.They also want to become inspectors and not remain drivers.”
Metrobus is now resuming negotiations with an offer to give drivers the opportunity to develop alongside the private company to impart skills transfer. This training will take at least six months. The company has a one-year contract as from 1 July 2016 and this is to help ensure completeness of revenue and maintain solvency. Last year the City had overhauled Metrobus in order to provide a better and reliable service and acquired 175 new buses, and established driver refresher courses and processes to meet targets.
What may delay negotiations is the drivers insisting that the private contract be terminated and they be allowed to take over the service. This is not practical because Metrobus does not have skilled, reliable capacity to do so, hence the offer of a six-month training programme for those who will qualify after following the necessary labour processes.
“Metrobus is currently doing everything at its disposal to normalise the situation and get buses back on the road. This comes at a loss of about R260 000 a day and affects about 40 000 commuters. This is an illegal strike with some intimidation and it was better to allow the general staff to stay at home for safety reasons. It must be noted that out of 450 drivers, only a handful are engaged in this illegal strike. Metrobus does however have a court interdict,” concluded James.
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