25 Apr 2013

South Africa: after talks fail the union consults on solidarity action

An indefinite strike by almost 30,000 bus drivers continues, and could spread to other sectors of transportation. Yesterday's talks between unions and the Bus Employers Association failed to resolve wage negotiations. However, the SA Transport and Workers Union (Satawu) and the Transport and Omnibus Workers Union (Towu) lowered their initial salary demand from 18% to 13% while the Bus Employers Association raised their counter offer from 6.5% to 8%.
During the talks in Johannesburg, about 800 protesting drivers in Athlone were singing “even if we die we don’t fear” and shouted “To hell with the increase that bosses are offering – it is time for the government to take over the industry.”
http://www.thenewage.co.za

The strike is expected to spread to the luxury bus sector today. This morning Vincent Masoga, spokesman for Satawu, reiterated the union’s intention to consult with workers in road, rail and ocean freight about a solidarity strike.
http://www.iol.co.za

24 Apr 2013

South Africa: talks today as strike spreads

The SA Transport and Workers Union (Satawu) is meeting with the Bus Employers' Association today. They say they are confident a solution will be found to the on-going bus strike. Close to 30,000  drivers are participating in the nationwide strike over pay. However, that figure is likely to rise tomorrow as drivers in the luxury bus sector intend to join the action. Drivers are demanding an pay 18% increase.
http://www.sabc.co.za

22 Apr 2013

South Africa: national strike over wages

Drivers at operators across South Africa began a  strike over wages on Friday. The companies hit included the nation's largest, Putco, which runs 1,600 buses. Workers are asking for an 18 percent wage rise, but the employers have only offered 2.5 percent, according to the SATAWU union.
The drivers are also demanding a minimum wage of R6,000 (£426) a month across the industry, a R1,000 (£71) housing allowance, and an increase in medical aid contributions.
http://mg.co.za

18 Apr 2013

China: drivers strike over welfare benefits

Drivers in Shaoyang city in Central China's Hunan province went on strike on Tuesday, leaving most of the city's bus service suspended. Sources suggest that drivers struck because of a dispute over welfare benefits. The number of drivers participating is unknown.
http://www.china.org.cn

12 Apr 2013

Wildcat strike hits Rome

Drivers working for Roma TPL walked out on Wednesday in protest over late payment of wages. The operator employs 1,700 people and runs 83 routes in the suburbs of the Italian capital. About 20 of them were hit by the strike. It follows a series of pay cuts by the operator, who are pleading poverty due to a reduction in government subsidies.