Rail strike unfair to poor - MEC

Cape Town - Unions planning next week's rail strike were effectively putting a gun to the head of the poor, Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle said on Monday.

He said he planned an urgent meeting with bus companies and other public transport providers to ensure a reliable alternative for more than half a million rail commuters who would be stranded by the strike.

His move followed a decision by the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union and the United Transport and Allied Trade Unions to embark on a joint strike against the Passenger Rail Agency of SA and Transnet from May 10.

He said in a statement he understood that the unions were exercising their right to strike.

However, it was unfair for commuters to have to bear the brunt of wage disputes or any other labour deadlock.

"The unions are effectively putting a gun to the head of the commuter struggling to put food on the table," he said.

"It is irresponsible for unions to embark on strikes without taking into due consideration the impact of their protest on the lives of commuters."

  - Sapa