Strikers assault bus driver

A Lephalale bus driver was assaulted at the Lowveld bus services office gates on Friday morning even before nationwide strike action by bus drivers commenced. The  strike led by the South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (SATAWU) ensued after negotiations at the South African road passenger bargaining council (SARPBAC) failed to reach a national wage agreement since January.
According to Lowveld Bus Services general manager, Dirk Heyns, the driver who was assaulted was employed by a contractor who hired a bus from Lowveld and not an employee of the bus service.
NUMSA Shop stewart at the Medupi site, Joseph Shuping, came to give the strikers words of support during a protest march in Lephalale. “Comrades we support you as NUMSA, the salary that you are getting, is very small and a person cannot do anything with it so we are behind you all the way,” he said.
Drivers are currently demanding, amongst others, minimum monthly wage of R6 000 across the industry,  a housing allowance of R1 000, 90 days sick leave, and an increase in medical aid contributions.
“We are still locked in negotiations and we are adamant on our demands. We also need the support of the public to be patient with us in this regard” said SATAWU organiser in Lephalale, David Mokami.