Commuters can expect disruptions
Illegal work stoppage by Metrobus drivers causes disruptions in services
Commuters making use of Metrobus services have been left stranded for a second day as the illegal work stoppage by bus drivers continues.
Metrobus Communications confirmed that employees engaged in an illegal work stoppage on the afternoon of 29 November. The stoppage was accompanied by demonstrations at the Milpark depot in Braamfontein. This protest action resulted in the disruption of bus services along many major routes across the city.
According to Metrobus, drivers are unhappy about the independent inspectors. They feel these inspectors are only trying to get them (the drivers) suspended and are not contributing to the improvement of the bus service. The drivers are demanding that the suspension of their fellow colleagues should be lifted by management and the inspectorate team should be removed.
The Managing Director of Metrobus, Mavela Dlamini said, “The demands of the workers are unreasonable. The issues raised by a minority of employees are that they do not want to have an independent inspectorate supervising their behaviour on the road and they want all employees that were suspended for poor conduct to be reinstated.”
The bus service confirmed that management is in constant talks with the drivers in an attempt to resolve the disruptions and restore the transport services as soon as possible.
They do, however anticipate that the disruptions will continue and advise all commuters to consider making alternative arrangements for transport until the issue is resolved. “Commuters should note that the Roodepoort Depot is operating at 100 per cent, Millpark Depot at 70 per cent and Village Main Depot at only 10 per cent,” Nthatisi Modingoane, a spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg confirmed.
Metrobus regrets and apologises for the inconvenience suffered by commuters because of its employees’ actions. Commuters will be kept updated on progress and further developments regarding this matter.
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