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.
Long lines this morning at one of Cape Town’s most busiest taxi ranks, in Khayelitsha. #BusStrike pic.twitter.com/f1WZw2zwh3
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) April 18, 2018
[IN PICTURES] Commuters in long lines as bus drivers down tools #BusStrike pic.twitter.com/ldDfjpieC0
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) April 18, 2018
Commuters trying to make their way into Taxi’s as quickly as possible. #BusStrike pic.twitter.com/mykRTiEuU5
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) April 18, 2018
#BusStrike Bus companies affected include: Megabus; Gautrain buses; Greyhound; Golden Arrow; MyCiti; Rea Vaya; Buscor; Bojanala; Algoa Bus; Mayibuye; Go George; Areyeng; Mgqibelo; Lowveld Bus Company; PAL Bus; and Mphakathi among others….
— silindelo masikane (@Slindelo_M) April 18, 2018
Dear employers,
Please be understanding, compassionate and considerate to employees who might be affected by the South Africa national #BusStrike today. That’s all. ?
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) April 18, 2018
Spare a thought for colleagues and people who are impacted by the strike.
Employers too must be sympathetic as taxi ranks will be packed & alternative transport isn’t always an option.
People buy monthly tags & may not have money
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) April 18, 2018
WATCH #BusStrike Satawu’s Bongani Boqo says the strike will continue until their demands are met. pic.twitter.com/mha4fqgqe1
— silindelo masikane (@Slindelo_M) April 18, 2018
WATCH #BusStrike bus drivers singing “we want more money” pic.twitter.com/OfpUcNsDJJ
— silindelo masikane (@Slindelo_M) April 18, 2018
Picture: Twitter