Recently I wrote about my shock at stories that bosses are punishing workers for constantly being late for work, even though it’s not their fault.
Staff are being disciplined, penalised and even fired because they are always late.
I suggested that bosses should instead be lobbying politicians and the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
SOLUTION: Hire minibuses for employees
Little did I know that the Chamber was actually busy with a survey to try and understand the extent of the problem!
And, yes, it’s a whole lot worse than any of those travelling to work by car can imagine.
So bad, in fact, that as much as 20% of business are considering relocating, because their companies are not viable anymore, due to the unreliability of staff.
Something else that has escaped attention is the increased crime that comes with packed trains.
Eight out of 10 employers interviewed reported staff having been robbed or assaulted on trains in the past 12 months.
Young women and men are also being groped by sexual predators on propvol trains.
Students are missing their exams and absenteeism at schools, varsities and companies have skyrocketed as a result of the unpredictable train service, which threatens our future skills development.
Then there’s the unseen consequence that probably has the greatest effect on the biggest number of people.
Companies reported a 94% effect on their staff’s morale and mental health.
It’s impossible to concentrate at work when you’ve just been groped on an overcrowded train, and then having to face the same thing in the evening, uncertain if you’ll even reach home safely.
Finally, the majority of commuters (83%) say they don’t believe Metrorail has the capacity or the interest to fix the problem.
While Metrorail says it’s going to take another two to three years to solve the issues, I believe a comprehensive plan involving government, the private sector and us commuters need to be devised.
Government needs to throw money and its best minds at this problem.
Companies can step in so long, by making sure staff get to and from work safely and on time.
Hire minibus taxis or buses for staff, club together with other companies, because you can no longer sit back and pretend this is not your problem as well.
It may not be part of conventional business, but we need to start thinking out of the box.
And as for the rest of us, let’s start reporting those who destroy what little we have left.
Because when we do eventually get new trains and services, we must at least know how to look after them.