Bus strike stretches into third week

Commuters countrywide were still forced to seek alternative transport this week as the national bus strike entered its third week. Standing in long queues for taxis and trains and travelling for long hours, have become the bane of life for commuters, including those from Mitchell’s Plain. South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU) spokesperson, Zanele Sabele, said the union would consult workers about a new wage offer on the table, 8.75% for the first year (backdated to  April 1) and 8.25% for the second year as part of a two-year deal, proposed by the SA Road Passenger Bargaining Council and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). She said they will notify the public in due course about the outcome of their decision. If the latest offer is accepted, the other issues of the dual drivers, night shift and insourcing of workers will be referred to the task team under the auspices of the CCMA.