Tshwane Bus Service commuters received an unexpected message on Tuesday afternoon, notifying them of the suspension of operations due to an illegal protest by members affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
Why are Tshwane bus services suspended?
The strike, allegedly prompted by concerns over overtime payments and salary increases, has disrupted the city’s bus services, per IOL News.
According to Lindela Mashigo, spokesperson for the City of Tshwane, the management is taking steps to address the situation. Labour processes will be initiated to ensure that bus drivers return to their duties and that normal operations can resume.
As per the collective agreement, the city’s labour relations unit will send a letter to the SAMWU regional office, requesting its members to return to work within 48 hours.
Mashigo expressed the city’s apologies to commuters affected by the strike and advised them to make alternative travel arrangements during this period.
Updates regarding the progress of resolving the strike and the resumption of bus services will be communicated to commuters in due course.
As commuters await the resolution of the strike, it is advised to stay updated on alternative travel arrangements and further announcements from the City of Tshwane.
The inconvenience caused by the strike is regrettable, and the authorities are striving to ensure a swift return to normal bus services for the benefit of the community.
Elsewhere, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) recently arrested a City employee from the Tshwane Bus Services’ C de Wet depot.
The employee was apprehended on allegations of stealing diesel from parked buses. TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba revealed that the suspect had been under surveillance for some time before being caught in the act.
It remains unclear at this time if this incident was, in any way, related to the strike action.