Even Samwu thrown by wildcat strike

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Bus commuters around Joburg were stranded this morning as Rea Vaya bus services ground to a halt when drivers embarked on a wildcat strike. This unannounced action took the City of Joburg, Piotrans (the company which operates the rapid bus transit system) and the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) by surprise. Eric Motshwane, Piotrans director of communication, labelled this a “mischievous” strike, saying negotiations had been held yesterday with the drivers about shift changes, at their request, and everyone had left the meeting happy. “We sat the whole day and discussed the shift changes which they demanded. We gave drivers 14 days’ notice of these changes, which came into effect today, as opposed to seven days, to give them time to adjust. “At the meeting yesterday, we were not deadlocked, and agreed to stay there until an agreement was reached, which we thought had happened.

“We took them through the process step by step. We agreed that if there were problems with the new shifts, these would be addressed,” he said.

Motshwane said he was surprised this morning to find that there were no drivers at work.

Samwu was also shocked to hear of the unscheduled strike action this morning, with leaders saying no word had been given from shop stewards.

“Head office had not heard of the strike action, but we suspect it may be a (Gauteng) branch issue,” said the union’s national spokesman, Tahir Sema.

The union’s branch manager, Dumisani Langa, had also not been informed, saying shop stewards had not reported to him about workers’ unwillingness to work this morning.

“We can try to verify it, but as of now, Samwu cannot comment on the issue,” he said.

According to Langa, almost all Rea Vaya workers are registered to the union, and the lack of notice was “a surprise”.

Efforts to reach a shop steward this morning were unsuccessful.

Management of Piotrans were to meet today to decide on the way forward, he said.

In the meantime, commuters were urged to seek alternative transport. - The Star