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Metrobus strike continues

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Hundreds of Metrobus commuters will be left stranded on Thursday morning as the strike by drivers continues. Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa  (Demawusa) has vowed to continue with their strike until management of Metrobus accedes to their demands.

The strike began on Tuesday with the union demanding salary progression, filling of acting positions, and a launch of investigations against a number of staff members.

Demawusa has sent a litany of demands to their employers. They want long service bonuses, the removal of all people who have been acting for more than three months; they also want to accumulate annual leave to the value of 60 days and be allowed to sell the days when they want.

Demawusa spokesperson Dion Makhura says they also want salary progression. “Employees must progress when you are hired when you reach three years you must go to the next notch when you reach,  six years another notch, nine years another notch, that is what we are saying. The second issue there is a new salary structure they are only implementing it to the new people they are recruiting now. You will find that in the old structure a person was earning R10 000 now it is R6000.”

However it seems wires have been crossed. Metrobus is under the impression that the core demand is recognition. Spokesperson Simon Shiburi says the union is not recognised by the city.

He says the strike is affecting operations adversely.

“Eighty to 90% of the people are not on strike but because of the threats that are being made they are not willing to risk their lives and drive buses. Part of our operation is fully functional but I can guarantee you we have a big shortage. Most of our busy routes are not covered so commuters are definitely stranded, the strike is continuing, we are deadlocked as we speak, negotiations are continuing.”

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