Industrial action hit commuters hard

By Ofentse Mokae
17 August 2009

Train services in several cities have been severely affected as hundreds of Metrorail workers embarked on a nationwide strike this morning.

Workers affiliated to the United Transport and Allied Trade Union are up in arms over the company’s rejection of their call for renewed salary negotiations.

Commuters have been urged to use alternative transport as Metrorail are offering only a limited service during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott says today’s service to its customers is will be limited due to the industrial action, however she says it’s not as high as expected.

“Services this morning has been than expected, although we cannot run a full we can run about a thirty percent service which is more or less equivalent to a Sunday service”, said Scott.

She says although the service will be disturbed commuters with their weekly or monthly tickets can make use of the Golden Arrow bus service.

She added that although they are not sure how long the action will take their negotiating team is working flat out to resolve the issue and but commuters today are urged to make alternative arrangements.