PUTCO has voiced its disappointment with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) urging the public to boycott its services.
This comes as 85 union members face Section 188A CCMA arbitration for going on an illegal strike in September 2022.
Putco spokesman Lindokuhle Xulu said Numsa's call is irresponsible and out of touch with the economic realities of many South Africans, implying that it effectively urges breadwinners to jeopardise their jobs and the economic well-being of their families.
He said the boycott encourages breadwinners to risk their jobs and their families' economic stability.
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Putco urged its passengers and the broader public not to heed the union's call.
"Numsa's call follows Putco's decision to change the precautionary suspension condition for employees who have been on paid suspension for more than 17 months,” said Xulu.
He said the suspended employees' poor attendance at the present CCMA probe had slowed down the process.
“Numsa has used delaying tactics irrespective of the parties' Section 150 agreement to accelerate the arbitration procedure. Despite promises to put 85 people to the stand, they have only completed the testimony of 19 employees in the last 17 months,” he said.
Putco emphasised their dedication to delivering continuous service to passengers.
“We advise commuters to ignore calls that could jeopardise their livelihoods and reiterate our commitment to delivering a much-needed service,” said Xulu.
