PUTCO bus drivers downed tools on Thursday, 1 September over their unpaid bonuses from two years ago plus a 6% increase.
They went to work as normal and transported commuters to their respective destinations before parking the buses and taking their protest to the Dobsonville depot in Soweto.
The protest is said to have spread to other Putco depots throughout Gauteng.
Representing the workers, Phumlani Ndlovu told Daily Sun: “Today workers decided to stop operating the buses because when they continue working, they feel like the employer doesn’t listen to them”
He said there was a court ruling that ordered Putco to pay them by the end of last month, but it was appealed.
“The ruling said that the employer must pay us on 31 August 2022, but on 29 August we got letters that there’s no money and that the matter is back with the courts as the ruling was appealed.
“Workers decided that while they are waiting on the ruling, they will picket outside the gates until the court decides on the appeal.”
He said what they want is their bonus pay, 6% increase from 2020, as well as the back pay.
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He said in the morning the workers transported the commuters to various destinations, parked the buses elsewhere and came back to the depot for the demonstration.
He further said if the drivers and the employer don’t find each other, they will not operate later, which will leave their commuters stranded and they’ll be forced to seek alternative transport.
“We are going to continue with the strike. If we are backing down, we won’t get what we want,” said Ndlovu.
Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said: “Management has learnt that this illegal strike action is related to salary increases and bonuses for 2020.
“Putco applied for exemption not to pay the 6% salary increase and the bonus for 2020, due to the impact that Covid-19 had on the finances of the company. The Exemption application was done in order to save jobs and ensure sustainability of the company.
“The matter has since been referred to the Labour Court for review, however no pronouncements have been made on the matter.”
He added: “While we were able to operate as usual in the morning, this illegal protest has the potential to disrupt our afternoon operations which may result in passengers being left stranded.”
