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R/£ Metrorail strike hits city commuters
August 17, 2009 Edition 1
Staff Reporters
THOUSANDS of commuters were left stranded today as Metrorail workers downed tools in demand of a higher wage.
About 200 passengers at Wynberg station waited for their trains, with many saying they had been caught off guard that the train service would be disrupted today.
The situation was similar at some of the city's other major train hubs.
Only about 30 percent of trains were expected to be running today after the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) said that a strike would "definitely" go ahead today.
Utatu members are demanding an 8 percent wage hike agreed with Satawu, and a further 2 percent from September 1, among other things. Metrorail is offering only the 8 percent agreed with Satawu.
Metrorail said the "no work, no pay" rule would be applied to striking workers.
A group of women waiting at the station since 6.30am said: "It is ridiculous. Our bosses don't understand."
Metrorail's Zino Mihi said commuters could call the Metropolitan Transport Information Centre at 0800 656 463 to check on their specific trains. But Metrorail would "run a service in line with the available resources".
However, Mihi advised people to make alternative transport arrangement where possible.
"We appeal to our customers who will be making use of the train service to be patient, and exercise caution as trains will be busier than normal as a result of the strike action."
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