Pretoria – The Tshwane Bus Service (TBS) on Wednesday failed to operate for the second day owing to a strike by drivers.
The TBS said: “Operations remain suspended following the abandoning of yesterday afternoon’s shift by South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) affiliated drivers”.
The hamstrung bus service said: “Yesterday afternoon, the city issued a 48-hour ultimatum by which the drivers are expected to return to duty.
“The ultimatum was sent to the SAMWU regional office with the expectation that the worker’s union would direct its members to fulfill their work obligation.
“To this end, the city has not received any formal grievance from the bus drivers.”
The strike has affected a customer base that gets services from 160 buses on weekdays.
“Workers haven’t shown up for today’s morning shift, it is not yet clear if the afternoon shift will resume,” the TBS said.
“Therefore, commuters are again urged to seek alternative transport arrangements.
“The city deems the abandoning of posts as an illegal action and intends to deal with the absconding employees through the municipality’s labour processes.
“As soon as there is an indication of the resumption of bus operations, the city will communicate accordingly.”
The City of Tshwane said it has received claims of intimidation from bus drivers who do not align themselves with the stoppage underway and would like to denounce such acts.
“Tshwane profusely apologises to commuters who have been adversely affected by the strike,” the City said.
