No end in sight for MyCiTi strike

The is no end in sight for a wildcat strike by MyCiTi bus drivers after talks between the City of Cape Town and the leadership of the striking drivers broke down.

This after the Economic Freedom Fighters, Mayco Member for Transport and Urban Development, Brett Herron, bus companies and strike leaders failed to reach an agreement yesterday.

Herron and the bus companies have refused to engage with representatives of the EFF.

EFF Provincial Secretary, Andrew Arnolds, said: “We are here to support workers and to escalate this demonstration. We are asking why can’t these workers be employed by the City?”

The breakdown in talks means the strike is likely to continue today.

Frustrated workers downed tools on Monday, complaining about poor working conditions and the issue of outsourcing.

Some said they do not have proper facilities and the buses they drive are unsafe.

Meanwhile, Herron says, although some drivers returned to work yesterday, major routes were not operational as yet.

“The bus drivers are employed by the Vehicle Operating Companies (VOC) and not the City.

“The VOCs have informed the City of Cape Town that some of the bus drivers who have participated in the unprotected strike are slowly reporting for duty.”

He says a wage agreement was made earlier this year with unions representing drivers.

“A wage agreement was reached in May this year, following a four-week strike in April.”

Commuters with monthly cards will be reimbursed for the days lost due to the strike.

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