The MyCiti bus strike in Cape Town escalated today and police had to fire stun grenades on rowdy protesters in the CBD. Bus drivers and other MyCiti staff members, including security guards, marshals and cleaners, participated in an illegal strike on Monday morning.
At around 1pm, roughly 10 stun grenades were fired by police on the scene near Adderley Street and Hans Strijdom Avenue.
Staff are protesting for better benefits associated with being insourced by the City. The strike has brought the MyCiti services around Cape Town to a halt.
“I must apologise to commuters who will be affected this morning and who will struggle to get to and from work if the strike persists,” said Mayco member for Transport and Urban Development, Brett Herron.
Bus drivers reportedly continue to block bus lanes and there is no news as to when the strike will come to an end and services will resume.
“This is unacceptable. I urge the VOCs and their employees to meet as soon as possible. These engagements must be facilitated through the appropriate channels so that the impasse can be resolved,” said Herron.
Commuters have been advised to make alternative transportation plans until further notice.
The @MyCiTiBus strike still ongoing #MyCiti pic.twitter.com/2F026ZgmRd
— Michelle Clarke (@MichClarke) October 15, 2018
#MyCitiStrike drivers, security guards, marshalls & cleaners striking this morning near Cape Town civic centre. They demand to be insourced so that they can also gain from the benefits other City workers receive. City says it can’t get involved because it’s not their employers pic.twitter.com/YiWeXXJVC6
— Anele Mfazwe ?? (@mfazwe) October 15, 2018
MyCiti employees at Civic Center. If you don’t know by now, there is a strike. pic.twitter.com/6diVTJ8O55
— Matabataba Radebe (@Ndlondlamhlophe) October 15, 2018
Illegal #MyCiti bus strike this morning. Drivers are blocking the red roads pic.twitter.com/kmCU97YOA9
— Kat Neko Manne (@kat_manne) October 15, 2018
Hi Trevii, unfortunately this strike is illegal and unplanned rendering it impossible to determine the duration, we advise commuters to make use of alternative transport arrangements. We are closely monitoring developments and will provide updates on our social media pages.
— MYCITI bus (@MyCiTiBus) October 15, 2018
Communters can contact the transport information centre 24/7 on 0800 6564 63 for updates on the services.
Picture: Twitter