Putco Bus Drivers Continue Protesting Over Salary Demands Despite Company Saying Services Will Be Operational

• The Public Utility Transport Corporation (Putco) drivers continue to strike despite the company saying services would resume
• The strike for salary increases lead to more than 100 people being fired for misconduct, intimidation and blocking depots
• The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa met with the executive management of Putco and a proposal is on the table

JOHANNESBURG - The Public Utility Transport Corporation (Putco) drivers have vowed not to return to work despite the company claiming its services would be up and running on Monday, 12 September. The strike was due to salary increases, leading to over 100 employees being fired.

The disgruntled workers claim that the buses will not be operational until they are paid. The workers were fired for misconduct, intimidation and blocking several depots.

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According to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola spoke to eNCA and said Numsa’s officials met with the executive management of Putco and a proposal is on the table.

The proposal could possibly settle the wage disputes. However, hlubi-Majola said the majority of workers returned to work and that there are two depots did not stop striking.

The strike has been ongoing for three weeks after Putco offered its workers a 3% increase rather than the initially agreed upon 6%. According to EWN, the fired workers claim they have been short-changed and obtained two court interdicts against the company.

Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu earlier said while firing the workers was a tough decision, the company must be firm and take disciplinary action to be fully operational. The striking workers have allegedly warned non-striking employees to stay away from work.

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South Africans react to the strike:

Lucy Nkuna said:

“And guess what the passengers are paying dearly, last week I spent almost 1k on transport alone. This will not end well.”

Cebo Bhele Makupula commented:

“It looks like this strike might not end well.”

Lundi Maqhubela added:

“As long they went against the court it won’t end well for them.”

Pucto threatens to fire over 1000 bus drivers if they continue with illegal protest action over 2020 bonuses

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported that ...Putco bus drivers are on the firing line after embarking on a strike for back pay and unpaid wages. The bus company has confirmed that the protest action is illegal.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 6 September, Putco stated that disciplinary action would be taken against approximately 1 000 employees who continue to protest.

Speaking to The Citizen, Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu stated some workers have returned to work at the Soweto depot.

Source: Briefly News