Joburg – Following days of industrial action bus company, Public Utility Transport Corporation (Putco) has agreed to the demands of workers, who demanded a 6% wage increase.
Unions and Putco had been locked in negotiations since Monday morning. A source close to the matter informed The Star the bus company had tabled an offer of 6% and had also committed to pay worker bonuses.
The Star understands workers were also demanding the 105 workers who were dismissed be reinstated as part of the agreement.
Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu confirmed Putco had made an offer and unions were expected to report to their members and come back to management with a response.
“The latest is that we held marathon meetings on Sunday facilitated by the CCMA. After 12 hours, we were able to put an offer for workers through some deliberations and engagements. The unions will report back to us after getting a mandate,” Xulu said.
On the matter concerning the 105 dismissed workers, Putco was not willing to budge and said the workers remained fired.
“The 105 people that were dismissed from Putco’s employ remain dismissed and we are not backing down on that. As a company we have done due process and there is enough evidence they have done gross misconduct as far as their actions during the illegal strike,” Xulu said.
Xulu said an appeals process would be available for those who were fired and seeking to reverse the decision.
On Monday there were disruptions at a Putco deport in Soweto but The Star understands that some buses were able to operate.
There was burning of tyres outside the depot with some workers chanting. Putco had initially refused to pay the 6% that workers required because the matter was still at the labour court. Workers had been demanding a 6% increase and backpay in bonuses since 2020.
The Star