A 1000 jobs are on the line but Putco bus drivers will not back down.The transport entity has been forced to suspend their services following an ongoing strike.The protests started last Thursday after employees downed tools demanding a 6% backpay and bonuses from 2020. Putco employees held their protest demonstrations outside their depo in Pennyville and Dobsonville, blocking the entrances with burning tyres.
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UNHAPPY EMPLOYEES

Speaking to Zimoja a bus driver that refused to be named complained that there is no dignity in working for the company.He added that on weekends they have to attend funerals with the same buses that give them problems.
"Just two weeks ago I had to take people from Zola to Avalon cemetery, when I got there the bus broke down. All the people I came with had to squeeze themselves in the other bus that already had passengers. It's frustrating and embarrassing," said the driver.
The driver explained that employees are never happy and that's why Putco is always hiring.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) said that it was deeply concerned by Putco's intention to dismiss 1,000 and condemned this action.

EMPLOYEES NOT BACKING DOWN

However despite receiving letters asking them to motivate why they should not be fired, employees are still not willing to back down.
Putco spokesman Lindokuhle Xulu said the protest was unlawful and the workers had no right to stop those who want to resume to their duties.
He said the demonstrations were an act of criminality and they will have police deal with the protesters accordingly. He said the chances of getting what they are demanding were almost non-existent.
"Putco applied for an exemption with the SA Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBAC), explaining  the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic," said Xulu.
Xulu said if the protest continues they will use drivers who completed training as well as the 700 that were retrenched during the pandemic.

TAXIS EXPENSIVE

Commuters have found themselves stranded having to make alternative means to reach their destinations. Ntombi Mazibuko said she uses the bus from Pimville to Kramerville and the strike has been a huge inconvenience.
"I had already bought a tag for the month and I wonder if they are going to reimburse us for the lost trips. I really have no budget for taxis and it's costing me a lot of money. Bosses don't care about strikes they want to see us at work," she said.