Thousands of commuters might be left stranded over the fast looming Easter break after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) announced that its members are planning to go on strike.
In a statement, Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim said a decision to down tools stems from a string of failed negotiations with management in the passenger bus sector.
“The issue which has triggered the strike is that the employer refuses to negotiate health insurance benefits,” said Jim.
“Workers in the sector do not have any kind of medical aid or medical insurance. We declared a dispute in February, but the employers are [still] refusing to give workers a meaningful increase.”
Numsa is aware that the planned strike will inconvenience commuters, however, Jim suggested that commuters should direct their frustration to the Commuters Bus Employers Organisation and the South African Bus Employers Association.
“We urge communities to make alternative plans for the long weekend, because the strike is likely to disrupt services,” Jim said, adding that Numsa has proposed an urgent meeting with employers, preferably in the next 48 hours.
Jim added that what the employees want versus what the mediator proposes does not reflect the position of the majority of unions.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage [more on] the proposal and hope that we can make adjustments to some of the proposals, so that it comes closer to meeting some of our demands,” he said.
“Both employers made an offer directly to employees of 6% increase for three years. This proposal is conditional upon workers dropping the demand for medical insurance.
“The lowest-paid worker is earning on average about R7 800 per month, therefore, medical aid is unaffordable.
“Most companies will refuse to grant the benefit and this is why we want this matter to be resolved in this round of negotiations, at a national level.”
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