Cosatu says parties involved in the taxi strike must enter into negotiations to find solutions

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 March 2011

Cosatu has called on the Western Cape provincial government to suspend the impounding of taxis for a month.

In return, the taxi Industry should suspend its strike for a month.

The strike in Cape Town, which started yesterday, has been marred by violence and intimidation.

The trade union federation suggests that during the suspension, the parties must enter into negotiations to find solutions to the dispute.

It wants the national Transport Ministry to assist in finding an agreement.

Cosatu spokesperson in the Western Cape Tony Erenriech says the strikers must not take their anger out on workers but on the government.

Meanwhile, Golden Arrow says more than 40 of its buses have been damaged in violence related to the taxi strike.

One person has been killed and several more injured in unrest, allegedly perpetrated by striking workers.

Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke says Mfuleni and Nyanga continue to be areas of concern and where necessary buses in those areas have been diverted as a precautionary measure.