Embattled bus company Putco has issued an apology to its passengers following a strike that dragged on for more than two weeks.
The company, operating in Johannesburg and Tshwane, also sent a message to the passengers for their patience while it was locked in talks with striking workers, said Eyewitness News.
As the strike finally came to an end on Tuesday, the company issued a statement to pass a word of gratitude to the passengers who were left stranded and had to find alternative means to reach their destinations.
The strike ended after employees accepted the latest wage offer tabled by Putco’s management on Tuesday.
With workers failing to get their demands from the company, bus services were brought to a standstill for close to three weeks after drivers downed tools after wage talks deadlocked.
The bus drivers were demanding a 6% salary increase, back pay and bonuses promised to them in 2020 but the company stalled to reach their demands.
While the company resumed full operations on Wednesday morning, some commuters have told Eyewitness News that they are desperate for their refunds.
“Striking bus drivers affiliated with trade union Numsa have returned to work this morning after signing a wage agreement, bringing an end to a costly and frustrating wildcat strike,” reported the news outlet.
“In Sandton, pupils in school uniforms, supermarket workers, and security guards who had to endure lengthy train queues have returned to their regular bus stops.”
However, it is now put on record that some passengers said that they would not be able to claw back the money they lost during the labour dispute.
“We have borrowed money from the loansharks, there is nothing we can do, we don’t have any money left. We’re just battling to get by, I have to go back again to see me through this month,” one passenger said.
Despite the utility transport company agreeing to the wage hike, it said the increase will not be backdated.
Furthermore, the company also refused to reinstate more than 100 workers who were dismissed for misconduct and intimidation.
Main Image: PUTCO Bus/SA Business Directory
