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

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

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

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

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.

Isle of Man: next strike to be 3 April

Bus Vannin drivers have voted for further strike action in a long-running dispute with the government over proposals to introduce a £3,000 pay cut. The drivers will stage two separate walkouts on 3 April, from 7.30-9.30am and 3-5pm. The drivers have already struck in December, January, February and March.
http://www.bbc.co.uk

Strikes called off at Go North East

Three days of strike action scheduled by North-East bus drivers has been called off after a revised pay offer was made. Members of Unite employed by Go North East were due to walk out today, Monday and next Saturday. However, following discussions between the operator and the union, a revised deal will be balloted on.
The revised offer consists of three parts – a two per cent increase backdated to July 1, 2012; a further 0.5 per cent from April 1, 2013 and a final two per cent from July 1, 2013. Go North East said the increased offer would be funded through productivity improvements which would be the subject of further negotiation.
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
 
The new pay offer differs very little from the previous one, which drivers rejected. It even has strings attached. At the moment even the official inflation rate (RPI) is running at 3.3%. A pay 'rise' at anything less than that figure is really a pay cut.

Three days of strikes announced at Go North East

Go North East face a series of strikes across North East England from Friday 15 March. They are in response to a below inflation pay offer, and will involve 1,435 workers.

The company offered a two per cent pay increase for 2012/3 which was rejected by the drivers. The company then made a second offer - a two year deal - which simply repeated the operator's original offer for 2012/3 plus an offer of 2.5 per cent in 2013/4. Predictably, the offer was rejected. 

Profits

In 2012 Go North East made £7.2 million in profit and is on target to make £7.4 million in 2013. It is part of the giant Go-Ahead group, and operates services in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Teeside.

 
Unite regional officer Fazia Hussain-Brown said: "The company's below inflation pay offer means a pay cut in real terms when prices are going up. The drivers take home £240 a week, they are struggling to support their families, with some having to rely on benefits." 


The 24 hour stoppages will be on 15, 18 and 23 March. The strike ballot saw a 77% turn out, with 60% voting for strikes

http://www.unitetheunion.org