Illegal strike hits Joburg commuters

Johannesburg - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system buses were not running on Monday due to a strike by drivers, the City of Johannesburg said.

"They want to be employed permanently... they are currently on contract," head of transport Lisa Seftel said in a statement.

"The company has agreed that they (drivers) can be permanently employed from July 1, but they want it immediately," she said.

Seftel said the drivers were striking illegally.

"There are procedures to be followed and in their case, they haven't followed proper procedure."

Stranded commuters were informed to use alternative transport upon arrival at BRT bus stations on Monday morning and no tickets for the buses were being sold.

"Rea Vaya apologises to passengers and will do all it can to get  the service running as soon as possible," she said.

Monday's protest by workers follows another one earlier this month when the drivers called for union recognition. The drivers wanted the city to recognise their union, the SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu).

The workers also wanted to be part of the local government sector, Samwu spokesperson Tahir Sema said at the time.

He was not immediately available for comment on Monday morning.

- Sapa