No strike for Gauteng Metrorail

Metrorail has been granted an Interim Court Interdict against any strike action or intention to strike by SATAWU or any of its members. "This court interdict will enable Metrorail to continue providing rail transport to over 1.5 million commuters daily in Gauteng operating 1172 train trips without any disruptions" said Tembela Kulu, Metrorail provincial manager.

The court interdict comes after Satawu announced its intention to embark on a strike action scheduled to take place this coming Friday 3 February 2012. The basis of the intended strike action is over a dispute with provincial management on the following issues:

• The incorporation of platform marshals into Protection Services as well as their demand for automatic appointment to senior positions of protection services officials.
  
• Allegations that management victimises shop stewards and managers "We would like to put it on record that Gauteng Management has not victimised any employee or Manager. As management we are committed to fight any form of wrong doing especially when it disrupts train operations. Employees are advised not to risk losing their jobs participating in an illegal strike action" said Kulu.

"In this organisation (PRASA) there are avenues to resolve disputes and management is committed to following such those channels. We are confident that the interdict period gives us an opportunity to resolve the dispute" she added.

Metrorail respects the constitutional rights of its employees to protest and voice their grievances, provided it is done within the parameters of the law, and if it will not cause any inconvenience and unnecessary suffering to commuters or other parties.

Employees are advised not to participate in any strike as it is unprotected and illegal therefore has severe consequences.

Commuters are assured that they will not be left stranded on Friday 3 February 2012; Metrorail will provide a normal train service to commuters in Gauteng.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge