While the current bus strike has commuters up in arms, brace yourself for another on April 25. The National Employer’s Association of South Africa (NEASA) has announced that the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) will engage in a one-day national protest over concerns of minimum wage, economic policy and free education.

Employees who wish to participate in this protest action are entitled to do so and no disciplinary action for absenteeism may be instituted against such employees,” the statement read. 

It adds, however, that the ‘no work, no pay’ rule will be applicable. Employers who have queries may contact NEASA’s hotline on 086 016 3272.

Regarding Wednesday’s bus strike, stranded commuters have expressed anger across the country.

Over 300 000 commuters who make use of MyCiti or Golden Arrow bus services in Cape Town will have to rely on other forms of public transport for the foreseeable future, as there is yet no word as to how long the strike will continue for. For many in the city and surrounds, busses are the most convenient and cost-effective mode of transport. Many also agree that it is safer to take a bus than a train.

The City of Cape Town said commuters with monthly MyCiti tickets will have their monthly packages extended to equal the number of days the strike will last.

In a statement released on 16 April, Golden Arrow bus services stated they would do the same. 

According to an EWN report, many school-going pupils are also affected by the bus strike.

Spokesperson for Western Cape Education, MEC Debbie Schafer, said officials will be engaging with schools, and the situation is being dealt with on a case-to-case basis. Catch-up programmes will also be introduced for learners who are unable to attend school for the duration of the strike.

 

Picture: Twitter

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