FEDUSA calls to Metrorail workers to go back to work today

By Khanyisa Tabata
24 August 2009

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is calling on the Metrorail workers to return to work today.

Commuters from Mitchells Plain, Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha are suffering greatly as a result of the legal protected strike by the United Allied Transport Trade Union (UTATU) members since Monday 17 August.

The strike has seen the occurrence of unfortunate injuries on the trains due to the overcrowding levels on the trains that have been running.

The strike is also leading to conflict as doors are kept closed at stations due to the overcrowding as people are being kept from entering the trains due to overcrowding, this causes confusing because people think that only certain people are allowed onto the trains.

Secretary General of FEDUSA George Dennis said the strike has shown us as the trade union movement that we need to communicate with the broader community timeously, so they are able to make alternative transport arrangements.

This must be communicated to ensure commuters understand the reasons for the strike action. This was clearly not done in this case and is another reason for the need to end the strike.

This is the same as when Golden Arrow was on strike, Metrorail does not allow people to use their trains as an alternate form of transport. The entire transport system needs an urgent overhaul if it is to serve the needs of commuters.


We call on workers to return to work on Monday and advice management today in order to ensure that roistering is in place to provide proper train service to commuters on Monday.